I Gave at the Office

Okay, it wasn't so much at the office as it was after the office. Monday I scheduled an appointment to donate blood with the Red Cross. I arrived at my appointment at the scheduled time. After having my blood tested, I was asked if I would be willing to donate "Double Reds". Which is something I have not done before. I had them explain the process to me. They told me it was similar to giving platelets, which is something I have done before. They told me that they take out my whole blood, spin it and separate the red blood cells from the plasma and the platelets. They then send the platelets and plasma back. This allows them to collect twice as many red blood cells, process them quickly, and then they can be used more quickly for trauma patients.

It sounded like a good idea, so I agreed. During the course of donating, I discovered the reason they asked me to donate was because I had a high red blood count to begin with. Just less than two hours later I walked out with bruises in both my arms and three new friends. Jeri, David, and Jeremy all entertained me while I went through the donation process. Despite the longer donation time and the larger than normal bruise on my arm, I would do it all again. Some of you might think me to be crazy, but I do enjoy donating blood. A few moments of time and maybe a little discomfort can help provide someone with enough strength to help them fight their battle. I know, it hardly seems fair, I mean think of the good feelings that it provides me; I get the warm fuzzies for several days afterwards. Makes it all worth it.

So, when was the last time you gave blood? I encourage you all to make an appointment and donate blood this month! Come on do it, you know you want to.