Blood for the little humans

I've been donating blood for close to ten years now. I was absolutely terrified the first time. I still have some anxiety each time I go. I've bruised, clotted in the needle, almost passed out, had my arm go numb, and had anxiety attacks before, during, and after. I've also flirted with cute employees, eaten a lifetime supply of Lorna Doone cookies, felt like a contributing member of society, and earned myself several gallon-donor pins. It's both disgusting and wonderful. Sometimes I'm more dedicated and make sure I get back in every 56 days and sometimes, unfortunately, I'm less diligent.

Blood donation has never been as important to me as it's been over the past few months. My sweet nephew Jackson has received dozens of blood and platelet transfusions during his cancer treatments. Every time I hear anything about blood now, I think of him. I've tried to be better about donating since his diagnosis. He inspires me to be better. He inspires me in a million ways. (Want a couple links about Jack getting blood? Okay. Here and Here)

Whenever the American Red Cross calls me to donate they always say, "we use your blood for pediatric donations." I always thought it was just a motivational tool and that they say that to everyone whether it's true or not. Today when I donated I asked the phlebotomist about it. She checked out my blood details on her little hand-held machine thingy and they actually do use my blood for the little humans. They test most blood for CMV agents which she explained screens for things like the herpes virus and other elements you don't necessarily want in your blood. Since I've never had cold sores, or herpes, or any other sort of STD (thank goodness, right?) I'm CMV negative and they can use my blood for kids. I feel lucky.

I don't know my nephew's blood type and statistically it's pretty rare that my blood has ever gone to someone I know, but when I think of pediatric blood recipients, it makes me even more glad I donate. I don't want kids to need blood. But I'm thankful for that when they need it, they can receive it. Any cancer-mom can tell you how much better their child looks and feels after a transfusion.

According to the Red Cross,
Less than 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood.
Only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood.
Less than 30% of people who donate blood once will ever donate again.

Too many people don't donate. They're afraid of needles. They once had a bad experience. They passed out once. They were too thin in high school and haven't tried since. They bruise easily. Or because they whatever. Don't let one experience prevent you from donating again. If you were told not to donate again....call the American Red Cross and ask why, then ask how soon you can try again. (1-800-RED-CROSS). The little humans (and the big ones) need our blood.

This morning I ate a good breakfast: eggs and a Cutie. I drank lots of water yesterday. I've been taking my vitamins. I've been avoiding my sickie-roommate all week long. I hope today's donation was 100% healthy. I went, I flirted, I donated, and I mourned the fact that they had no Lorna Doones. Hopefully, in some small way, my blood donation has helped fight childhood cancer. Today, I made a difference for up to three people, hopefully little ones.

Please donate blood.

And PS....this isn't the first time I've preached from this very soap box. I'm serious about it.