When I went to school this morning, a friend of mine asked me if I was going to donate blood to the Red Cross, who was hosting a blood drive in the gym. My first reaction was fear. I was deathly afraid of needles, and the sight of blood made me very sick and squeemish. Seeing my expression, my friend said: "I'm guessing you're not a fan of needles. Or blood. Most people aren't. But try to go if you have the chance because the Red Cross said that their blood bank is low."
I took his advice--after all, what was more important: my fear of sharp objects and red liquids, or someone's life? The answer was obvious. I went to the blood drive right after lunch, and left the gym with a warm, fuzzy feeling...after all, I could have just changed someone else's life.
Many healthy people are able to donate blood. Unfortunately, only about 5% of those who can actually do. These pople are the only source of blood, and many need blood transfusionsduring medical emergencies in order to live. Eligibe donors can donate blood very two months. You can find more information about donating at www.givelife.org or call 1800-GIVE-LIFE.
Awesome :) As the aunt of one little boy who had multiple transfusions before he was even three months old, it always warms me to see people encouraging others to get out there and donate. I've never been allowed to donate because of my medical history, but I keep hubby and sis informed of where they're doing blood drives so they can donate. And they do, regularly. I just wish I could!
Kudos to you for not letting fear stand in the way!
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~Fallon~
“What is insanity, anyway? Is it when you scream and everyone else whispers, or is it when you fight for what's right, even when everyone else thinks your wrong?” Ethergoth
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It's sad that more people don't donate blood...I know fear is a big motivational factor, but it can't be too bad(I am not old enough to donate yet, so I cannot say from own experience) unless you're one of the people who black out when you donate, but I'm guessing that's a small majority. My mom has had to have blood transfusions before and I am grateful for anyone who had the kindness to donate that blood.
Stormy