DS1 and I are going to a local blood drive today to give the "Gift of Life". The need is critical at the holidays, so I encourage you to think about it.

For the bargain shopper in you, check with your local Red Cross to see what kind of end-of-year goodies they are handing out to donors due to the low donor rate at this time of year. This drive is giving ski lift tickets and stainless steel travel mugs.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I will bump this back to the top....

I do not give blood on a voluntary basis. Blood draws for me are a huge, major ordeal that typically involves lots of pain and some tears. I have deep, tiny, rolling veins, that even the best have trouble getting blood from. I wish I had better veins, I would be more than happy to donate on a regular basis.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Way ahead of you this year cjs. And Marylin I gave a double so consider it covered.
I too urge everyone who can to give the gift of life.

Merry Christmas and the best in the New Year.

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

I gave blood on a regular basis for about 15 years. Then they changes the rules and I am not allowed anymore, due to the fact that I am from Europe. It seems very silly (by "silly" I mean "stupid") to me ...

What? Do Europeans have a different kind of blood than Americans???
Without knowing exactly what the rule entails--yes, that does seem kind of stupid!

Now, if you were from Vulcan or Ork--it might make more sense!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I used to be a regular donor, but the last few times I went, my blood pressure was too low, so I don't even try any more.

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"When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream."

John Lennon

Well, I feel kind of ashamed for posting this as I wasn't able to donate myself. I am going to Guatemala for two weeks in January to build with Habitat for Humanity and got a Hepatitis vaccination in early December. Apparently, that makes me ineligible to donate....and I will not be able to donate for a year after returning from the trip, so I'm out for awhile.

I did get DH and DS1 to go with me and DS1 did the double donation (red blood cells), so all in all, the family did our part....just me that is let down.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

There are certain risk factors for various diseases, etc that restrict some from donating The restriction relative to Europeans might be the following:

Other restrictions related to travel include:
It's the travel to areas where malaria is found that is putting me out for 12 months.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I need to find someone who's willing to go with me, and help me keep my son happy. I was given three units of blood after having him, and need to find a way to help repay that. Even without travel mugs, I'd still say that blood donation has a great ROI.

I tried to donate a little while back when there was an ad in the local paper urging anyone with O- blood to donate because they were critically low. I was one pound too light. I guess I could have left and ate a huge meal and came back but I didn't have the time.

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Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

Cj- it was the thought you "tried" to give....that's what counts! I'm am so envious of your trip with Habitat for Humanity. We have done several hours here locally, but it has always been my dream to help out other countries too. I cannot wait to hear about it when you return!

I tried donating at our high schools drive last month, but I'm still anemic. I do not understand this at all, as I take an iron supplement on top of my regular multi-vitamin.

I would add not to forget to sign the back of your Driver's License to be an organ donor! Just before Christmas I saw a horrific accident happen just two cars in front of me. Two people died in this crash, one being a 41 year old mother. She donated many of her organs and I am sure saved many lives!!!

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That in itself will not make tissue donation a reality. The potential donor's legal next of kin or health care surrugate has to consent after the death. This can be done via telephone. The questions are many, varied, and intense regarding the person's health history.

Tissue donation is a definite possibility when the death occurs in a hospital (unless the staff knows it's a medical rule out from diagnosis) and can sometimes be made possible when the death occurs in a nursing home, hospice, or residence. Health care professionals and funeral directors can be a wealth of information regarding how a wish can become a reality.

dl

Thank you for that reminder!! I guess the signed drivers license will at least let your next of kin know that is what you wished to do. I have let my sister and parents, and husband know that is what I want to do!!

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7 years ago at Christmastime, I spent an entire month in the hospital after a sudden leukemia diagnosis. I received so many transfusions of blood and platelets during that time, and over the next 6 months while receiving chemo. I can tell you firsthand how grateful you become when you are on the receiving end. Those donations saved my life. Thank you all so much