I participated
in a blood drive recently. When I was done donating, I rested, as instructed,
with a small can of cranberry juice and a small bag of raisins. The manager
asked me why I give blood. This was my second donation, my first donation took
place on 4/25/2014.
I would have
started much earlier. I first entertained the idea of donating blood in late
2005. I was told that because I have a heart condition, I was not eligible to
give. What prompted me to consider giving is that my father was a cancer
patient and required occasional blood transfusions. I wanted to give back to
the community and have a chance to help others, like my father. I was
disappointed that I could not donate.
Then earlier
this year, I read an article that pointed towards a study in Europe that showed
that men who donated blood reduced their own risk of heart attack and stroke,
and not by an insignificant amount. So, I think of this as a gift of life, not
only for those who might receive my blood but for myself as well. And being a
gift of life, it is also a gift of love. I will never know who might benefit
from my donations. I am not looking for them to thank me personally. It does
make me feel good to know that I have helped, and possibly saved someone’s
life.
On April 25th,
2014, I decided to walk into a blood collection drive location. I read the
literature there. I asked if I would be eligible. I had also read that the
requirements are reviewed time and time again to protect the blood supply. The
receptionist recommended that I go through the screening process and I would
learn for sure if I was eligible or not. I followed her suggestion. Much to my
surprise, I was eligible. There was some concern, but after checking their
computers, they decided that my condition did not prevent my donation.
Now, why didn’t
I consider it before 2005? I am not sure. I probably was: too busy; afraid of
the needle; afraid of the process; not concerned with mortality. None of these
were good reasons then or now. The procedure is safe. I don’t like needles, so
I just don’t watch. I take a book with me and read during the donation process.
Each donation of
a pint (you have 10), can help or even save up to three persons. Blood is
constantly needed. The Red Cross Blood services began in 1940, and now supplies
about 40% of the blood needed in the US. 41,000 blood donations are needed each
day. 38% of the population in the US are eligible to donate blood but less than
10% actually do.
So
think about giving the gift of life. You can visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn
more. You never know, someone might be alive tomorrow because of your gift
today. The need is constant. If you are eligible, it is a gift for them and for
you.