Give It

Before I forget and move on to hopefully more lighthearted topics, I need to post about this.

On my first evening in the ER, I had lost a lot of blood internally. A blood test revealed that my hemoglobin was very low and I needed a transfusion. It was decided that two units was the amount required.

My blood type was checked and re-checked and all the risks were explained to me. At some point I think I signed a consent as well. Then it arrived. The first unit, a little sack of life hooked to my I.V. pole, and slowly began dripping strength back into my body. A few hours later, the second unit. Gradually I stabilized. Heart rate came down, blood pressure stabilized, all vitals returned to acceptable ranges. I’m not saying ALL of it had to do with the transfusion, but it certainly WAS a large part of helping me get back on track that night.

Later the next week, I was in a semi-private room with an older gentleman. He had been admitted because it was discovered he had a tumor in his colon that had been bleeding for some time. He would need surgery, but first he needed to get stabilized and get his strength up. I heard the surgeon assuring him that despite his age, he was a strong man and that the surgery would not be difficult. Three units of blood were ordered and administered through the night. By the next morning he was changed man. The colour was back in his face, his voice had weight to it. His son-in-law came to visit and commented how well he looked. “Eets da blood dey give me!” he told him in a thick polish accent. I was discharged that day, but I am confident this man is doing well.

So here’s the thing. Give Blood. Just do it.  No.  I don’t want to hear your excuses.  Do it.

Kelly does it at every opportunity, like clockwork. When the required amount of time has passed, she’s right back in there giving again. I’ve always admired her for it, but it’s hard to understand just how important it is until you are on the receiving end. From that perspective, all I could do was pray that the supply was there and thank God that someone was kind enough to make the effort for me.

If you aren’t a blood donor but are a good candidate, please look up your local blood bank and make an appointment to give. Do it now.

If you are already a blood donor Thank You! You are making a huge difference in someone’s life every time you roll up your sleeve.