My super power is giving blood. That's about it. I can spell. I can type faster than I can think, and I can give blood.
There is no substitute for human blood, and it's something I can do to help people. Sixty percent of the population of the United States is eligible to give blood, but only five percent actually do so.
I sometimes have issues with giving blood, because I don't prepare or "study" for the test. I have had low iron several times. I've now determined what helps raise my iron count so that they will take my blood. It's what you eat the night before that helps, and I found an iron rich cereal that worked the last time. I did receive a gallon pin for my efforts in the past. I am a bit confused about whether I've given one gallon or two, but my pin says "two gallons". The computer says one. I have given through different companies, so it's really a greater amount than that anyway. I'm just working on my next pin.
I found out last summer that I have special blood. I am CMV negative. More than half of the population has some virus in their blood, but I don't. Yay, me. That means my blood can be given to babies and cancer patients and other people who have issues fighting infection. This is when I decided to actually pay attention to the date my 56 days are up - or as Andrea says, "when I'm ripe". My friend, Andrea, and I have made the blood drive a friendship event. We're like blood sisters. Time flies by so quickly, and we don't always make time for each other, but we try to give blood together. It helps us feel better about ourselves, and it gives us time to chat and catch up. It's cheaper (free) than going to a coffee shop, and they give us juice and snacks before we leave.
I also have a very personal reason to push blood giving. I know two people who receive transfusions on a regular basis. One person is the mother of my friend. She's been fighting lymphoma for years, and she spent most of the month of December in the hospital. Yes. That included Christmas. She goes to Baylor for transfusions more often than I go to the grocery store. They've found a bone marrow match for her, and I love the people who are strong enough to sign up for bone marrow matches.
One of my very best friends also spent Christmas in the hospital. She is severely anemic, and is also having surgery soon. She received a couple of transfusions while in the hospital this time, and she receives them regularly as well. I've known her since high school, and she is one of my favorite people. She has more health issues than I can imagine, but she always asks me how I'm doing. She is one of the most cheerful people I know, and I'm lucky to have her as a friend.
Someone needs blood every three seconds. Go to www.carterbloodcare.org for more Blood Facts or to find a location near you. My favorite blood fact is that you lose a pound every time you give. My workplace, Saturn of Mesquite is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, February 16, 2008 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. I can't actually give until Feb. 20, because I was thrown off schedule the last time my iron was low.....therefore, I'm trying to get as many people to give in my place as possible. Our goal is 100 units! Please consider giving blood. It only takes about an hour of your time, and it can save the lives of three people. You just have to be healthy, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. You can give every 56 days. Saturn of Mesquite is also having a children's book drive during the month of February, so bring a new or used book in exchange for a gift card to Borders or Starbucks. Oh, I almost forgot - Saturn of Mesquite will give blood donors a voucher for a free oil change. See the Saturn of Mesquite blood drive story on neighborsgo for more details. If you already give blood, "thanks!".
If you're still reading, please give blood. I can't think of a more meaningful way to spend an afternoon with a friend.
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