I gave blood again. They call me every 8 weeks to give. I don't go in EVERY 8 weeks, but I do when I can. This time when I got there, they gave me this pin that says '1 gallon donor'.
At first I wondered if it was only a gallon, but remembered that I used to give blood at a different place called ARUP. My sister Lisa and I would go there together to give quite often. She also has the O- blood. So, they would call us often to come in. In fact, several of my siblings do. Anyhow, I guess since I started giving at the American Red Cross, I am up to 1 gallon and 1 pint with them. :)
One interesting thing I learned the last time I gave blood was that I have what they call pediatric blood. It means that my blood is O- which is the universal blood, but also it means that my blood doesn't have a certain virus in it. I think the virus is called Cytomegalovirus (CMV). They said that most adults have it in their blood and that it doesn't really affect them, but it is there. So ever since they started calling me and asking me to give a 'pediatric blood' donation... I try harder to get in there. Isn't that funny? Just simply knowing that my blood can be used for the babies and children, it makes me want to get in there quicker. It shouldn't be that way though, right?
Anyhow... I am a big advocate for people giving blood. So I am going to put the link to the American Red Cross website again and I hope that if you can, any of you will go in and give blood. It is such a worthy cause.
American Red Cross
Now, this is why I asked if you are sitting down... :)
So, sit down...
They make it as pain free as possible. The techniques they use now are so much better than when I started giving blood when I was a teenager. So... if you are well and able to give blood... I urge you to just go and give. They are grateful and it makes you feel so giving. :)
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8 comments:
I think that's awesome, Leslie! I give blood when I can, and think it's a great thing to do. One time when I was a teenager I went to give blood on a date together... one of the most fun dates I ever had! :) My dad gives blood regularly too. Great post!
I can't give blood because of my thyroid. And John can't because he had cancer which stinks because I think he has the same blood you have.
Good job!!
Yes, Spencer has the same wonder blood as you, although I don't know if he has pediatric blood. They call him quite often to go in an donate, and he does. His work even allows him up to 4 hours of paid recuperation/donating time so he often donates on days of scout camp outs when he needs to leave work early anyway, and he just "recuperates" on his drive to the camp out. It is very noble... and convenient for him.
BOOM, CRASH, BANG,....I just passed out. Whew! Thanks for that picture! ha ha!
I obviously am not one who can handle blood, needles, or any of the sort. So, I don't. If I did, I would pass out!
But, that is great of you and everyone who does! I would if I could. Does that count? :)
Alana
i remember giving with you quite a lot back in the day. those are fun memories. the last 11 years i have pretty much been either been pregnant or nursing so i haven't given as much. cute pin!
Congrats to you for giving blood! That is such a great thing to do to help out another person.
I gave blood when I was a Sr in high school. The nurse didn't know what she was doing and ended up rolling two of my veins. My entire arm was black and blue from my shoulder to my wrist. At that moment I vowed never to give blood again. Well that was 13 years ago, maybe I should give it another try.
That's cool you give blood so much! Kameron got SOOO many blood transfusions in the hospital and that CMV was one of the reasons he passed away.
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