My story started back in the Summer of 2018. The Resource hosted a mobile blood drive and I signed up to volunteer. I also signed up to donate, for the first time ever! Let me say this, although I love getting tattoos, I wouldn’t say I like needles. I also easily faint at the sight of blood, or even if someone is in big pain. Going inside hospitals is a challenge for me, and typically rather eventful. I couldn’t donate the day we had the blood drive, but it sparked something in me to try again. And I did.
Fast forward a few weeks later. While I was waiting for my turn to give at a nearby church, I watched 2 people get woozy and almost faint right in front of me. Not only was I thinking about that before arriving at my appointment, I was now extra worried that was going to be me very soon. Trying hard to box breath and get out of my own head, I continued waiting. The two donors ended up being fine, they completed their donations, drank a juice box, and walked out shortly after.
“Lisa Wright?” the nurse asked.
“Yup, that’s me!” I said.
My turn! I told the nice lady that I really didn’t want to see the needle or the blood, and she kindly hid it all from me. All right, I am all set, donating has begun. I was scrolling on my phone, keeping my mind off of what I was actually doing, and 10 short minutes later, I was finished donating. Holy moly, I did it! I donated blood despite all my fears of needles, blood, and fainting. YAY! Now, time for a snack and juice box [this is the best part about donating, besides the saving lives part, of course].
The magic happened after that. I followed my blood journey on the American Red Cross app and found out my blood type was O+ and also that my donation ended up helping people at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC. I thought it was pretty neat that I was able to help folks in our own state. Since then, I learned that my blood type is rare because I am CMV negative and that, along with having O blood, makes me a “Hero for Babies” donor. My blood is considered the safest blood for newborns and premature babies. I mean, who wouldn’t like helping those sweet preemie babies?! <que my heart melting into a giant puddle>
After a few more whole blood donations, I then committed to a platelet donation. This is a much longer process than whole blood. I signed up for this because my friend had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer which would require him to do chemotherapy. I learned some cancer patients going through chemo require platelets to survive. After completing my donation, I was informed that I have a “high platelet count” meaning my 1 donation would benefit 4 patients. I love helping people, and now I know the power of my donations. I’m sold, a donor for life. <pun intended>
I’ve enjoyed supporting the community in this special way and would love to speak to you about the process, and what to expect and do to be a successful donor. Presently, I am working on my 3-gallon milestone. I believe it’s important to think of others when signing up to donate; because it’s not about you – it’s about the people who need our donations to live a healthier life. Let’s help others in a big way, together!
And remember, always give 100%…unless you’re donating blood.
Sincerely,
Blood-donor-4-life
P.S. To date, I have never fainted by donating blood, and I still have to tell them I’m not fond of needles and would really prefer not to see blood. The American Red Cross is consistently accommodating and just plain amazing!