Modern life is bombarded by a 24/7 news cycle, an endless loop often filled with cynicism, scandals, and superficiality. So it's refreshing to stumble upon an upbeat story that's not any of those things.

Here's one: Former Hosei University point guard Michael Malhotra, who battled leukemia and recovered from it, is now working to make the biggest assist of all — helping to saving lives.

How? Malhotra is genuinely committed to raising public awareness about the need for an increase in blood donations. What's more, he is determined to be involved in this initiative for years to come. He aims to galvanize the basketball community, students and young adults to become active blood donors.