Dedicated blood donor totally surprised at work with a News 3 Everyday Hero Award!

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Mariel Paige juggles a demanding career overseeing large-scale construction projects on Sentara Health's corporate construction team — and still finds time to give back.

Paige, a construction manager for Sentara Health, started donating blood when she was a teenager and continues to do so, plus she volunteers as a board member for the American Red Cross of Coastal Virginia.

"It is incredible to think about if you really think about the amount of lives that you can save just by donating blood every 2 months," Paige said.

Her dedication to giving blood started at home. She watched her father donate regularly, and at 16, she began following his example.

"I think it's just, it's so important to give back to the community and to find that time," Paige said.

For that commitment to her community, she was named a News 3 Everyday Hero. Paige was surprised with the honor at Virginia Beach General Hospital, where colleagues and her husband were on hand to celebrate. Paige was stunned, "Oh my gosh, wow, thank you! I'm speechless! I am -- so overwhelmed. Oh my gosh!"

Along with the Everyday Hero Award, community partner Southern Bank presented her with a $425 gift card, which is $125 more than the normal amount to commemorate Southern Bank's 125th anniversary.

Alisa Petrauskas, director of patient care services, said Paige's generosity speaks to her character.

"Her heart for volunteering and the work she's done with the American Red Cross is just a testament to who she is as a person," Petrauskas said.

Colleen Zobel, also a director of patient care services, praised Paige's presence at the hospital.

"She's a critical thinker, she's a problem solver, and she's a light here at Virginia Beach General," Zobel said.

Leslie Crocker, executive director of Coastal Virginia Red Cross, said Paige embodies the organization's mission.

"She's just the kind of person that doesn't say no and is able to understand the mission of the Red Cross and has a real desire for a call to action," Crocker said.

Before the celebration wrapped up, Paige used the moment to encourage others to step up.

"This is a call to action for all of you to donate blood or your time or your money, please," Paige said.

For those who have thought about donating but haven't taken the step, Paige has a simple message.

"I would tell them it is so easy and so painless," Paige said.

And speaking of opportunities to donate blood, News 3 has upcoming blood drives next month. Those who come to give blood at the News 3 Labor of Love Blood Drives Sept. 4-7, 2026, will receive a Red Cross x Hello Kitty® collectible item, while supplies last.

If you'd like more information about donating blood through the Red Cross, click here:

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