Saving Lives

Today I donated blood for the 28th time. I remember my first donation, November 10, 2012. I went to pick up Shelley to spend the day. First she says I am going to donate blood. Why don’t you come and see if you can donate too.

For years it is something I always wanted to do, however, thought I was ineligible because I was type 2 diabetic. Shelley assured me that wasn’t the case. I was still sceptical but prepared to give it a try.

After going through the generic questions and having hemoglobin tested. There is a threshold which I passed I met with a nurse to review a whole bunch of questions each one potentially disqualify you from donating. I passed all the questions. I was being asked which arm do I want to use.  I said I am left handed so use my left hand.

Ten minutes later one pint of blood was gone from me. The lady attending to me said thank you for your donation, you just saved 3 lives. I was amazing and pleased that my pint of blood could save 3 lives. A simple act done every 56 to 88 days can save lives.

Seven years later, still donating 4-5 times a year. Feeling excited every time. There have been 3 times which I was deferred (hemoglobin level too low) and had to do the walk of shame. It is a very depressing feeling, short lived yet depressing nonetheless.

Shelley is over 70 donations and every time we donate together I thank her for getting me started. Today was no different one of the ladies asked Shelley if her husband was here as well. She came over and said hi and thanked me.

Donating blood with Shelley is a special way of connecting and sharing our love. We are proud that we are making a difference in the world. You can too, blood it’s in us to give. Be kind be supportive, be engaged in the community.