Even sidelined due to injury, Juan set a good example. On Monday afternoon, the left-back participated in the "Meu Sangue Rubro-Negro" (My Red-Black Blood) campaign, launched today, offering personalized care at HemoRio for the club's fans. After donating blood, under the glare of flashbulbs from the press and fans, the player visited HemoRio's pediatric ward, where he interacted with several children undergoing treatment. "You see with your own eyes the people who need your blood, and that really moves us, as we truly see the importance of donating blood," he told Flamengo's official website.

Goalkeeper Diego, Bruno's backup, was also at HemoRio and commented on his gesture. "The importance is helping others. During Carnival, donations drop significantly and accidents increase. So, we have to raise awareness that everyone needs these donations. Everyone has had a relative or friend who needed a donation," he concluded. According to HemoRio data, the supply deficit reaches nearly 30% at this time of year.

The two players posed for photos with several children. Among them was 10-year-old Thiago Leite, a Flamengo fan from Duque de Caxias (pictured right). A hemophiliac, the boy was there to receive a blood transfusion. "Congratulations to Flamengo, I think this initiative is wonderful because children need it. Donating blood is essential," praised his grandmother Tania da Silva Nascimento.

Another athlete who appeared at HemoRio was gymnast Jade Barbosa. "I wanted to encourage everyone to donate blood. Everyone can make someone happy during Carnival," she encouraged.

Jade, however, was unable to donate because she was not yet of legal age. According to HemoRio's rules, the basic requirements for donating blood are to be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kilograms, be in good health, and bring an official photo ID (original). Fasting is not required, but volunteers should avoid fatty foods in the four hours prior to donating and alcoholic beverages in the last 12 hours. The "My Red-Black Blood" campaign runs until next Friday, February 20th.

HemoRio is open from 7 a.m. to 18 p.m. The address is Rua Frei Caneca, 08 – Centro – Rio de Janeiro. For more information about HemoRio, call (21) 2299 9442 and 0800 282 07 08, or visit the website www.hemorio.rj.gov.br.