Responding to yesterday’s post about my failed blood donating experience, Bettina suggested I try to inspire others who could donate blood to go do so on my behalf. (I hope I am paraphrasing you right!)
I think this is a noble idea; however, I would go further to emphasise that people should want to go off and do so on their own bat. The gesture, to me, doesn’t mean so much if it isn’t done with the recipients’ in mind, more so than someone who could – let’s not forget I could’ve still donated if I’d chosen – but didn’t. These days, I was surprised, at the level of screening. I expected screening, but not screening. I had to give them everything. For example, they made especial note that I’d taken Nurofen and Voltaren last weekend and had to go look up a medication book to check – I assume – that by now it would’ve cleared my system. All perfectly understandable.
But for all the administrative clearances I needed, I realised that by the end of it I really, really, wanted to do it. Because although I was the last candidate for the evening, there were lots of other people witting around having their cordial and biscuits afterwards, to get their sugar-levels back up. All sorts of people, too. Business men sweating in their collars; a mother and daughter team. One underage girl who’d had to be given clearance by her parents before she was allowed to enter.
All sorts of people.
Who might one day save your life. Or someone you love.
They missed out on my A+ yesterday. But they will get it one day – oh yes, they will. And that will be a good day, my friends.
******
Do you want to donate blood but have no idea how? Don’t know if you fit the criteria? Think you’re too young? Old? On a variety of prescriptions that you assume will automatically rule you out?
Go to www.donateblood.com.au
You may be surprised. You may not be eligible – but then you may will be. You won’t know unless you check.
There you will find a link to find your nearest centre, and also make an appointment, if you wish.
If you do – come tell me. I will give you big cyber-hugs.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I just did the eligibility test, apparently I have to wait until L is 9 months old before I can give blood. Do you know if breastfeeding has an influence as well? I’m really keen to give blood as I have the precious O negative blood type – this means I’m a universal donor, so my blood can be used for newborns if they need it and emergencies.
I’m also an A+ which I can easily remember because it’s a mark I would have liked to receive more of at school.
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When I first started to give blood there was an option that I could have my details on the donor marrow and platelettes (spelling?) register so that if there was any time that a cancer patient needed a possible marrow transplant or other related treatment that my details are there to check if I am a match.
Maybe thats something you could do instead of or as a precursor to donating blood. Simple things also like making sure your have told your family as well as being on your licence if your want to be a organ donor.
Its so important. I have and continue to watch my aunty slowly die from renal (kidney) failure. For years she was on the donor list but now its too late. The stress has caused strokes and shes had breast cancer as well so that all negates her eligibility. But I wish that she could have had one with everything that I am.
woot!! yup that was the idea.
I’m really hoping my levels are back up so I will be able to donate again this year. With so few people doing it, it really is such an important thing.
I wonder how many we could con from my fire brigade into doing it…………… hmmm
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Great post – every time I’ve thought of doing it so far I have been at a point of ineligibility – eg recently had a baby.
Really enjoying reading your blog – Kylie
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it was the thought that counts and if you inspire even one person that is a good thing and counts just as much.
On breastfeeding they rather you didn’t give blood -just because it takes so much out of you if you are BFing … or well maybe not.
Bettina – you could mount a challenge to the local police or another local brigade – our local blood bank has various groups versing each other – even highschools chanllenge each other and they keep a whiteboard tally.
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