Each of us has the potential to give the gift of life to a stranger or someone we know by donating blood or platelets at a local hospital or American Red Cross facility. Over the years, I've taken the opportunity to donate platelets and whole blood to a number of people, some of them forever unknown to me, and some who are dear friends and colleagues.
Over a two year period, I donated whole blood and platelets to my friend and former coworker, Gary who very nearly succumbed to a particularly virulent form of cancer. Thankfully, he's fully recovered and enjoying his retirement. A donation of whole blood I made at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles to an eight-year-old girl aided the recovery of this playmate of one of my colleague's sons. Her recovery from childhood Leukemia has allowed her to rejoin her classmates, and her father can now look forward to walking her down the aisle when she's a grown woman. At UCLA I donated whole blood to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy who sustained devastating injuries when a robbery suspect intentionally rammed his police motorcycle, breaking nearly every bone in his body. I understand this lawman is making good progress in his recovery.
I'm not telling you about my donation history to elicit pats on the back. My reason for sharing these experiences is to persuade you to consider donating whole blood or platelets. When you donate blood the first time, your blood is typed and its Rh factor is determined. If you're one of the fortunate few who are Rh negative, you can donate blood to premature babies and others with poor immune systems. Imagine your blood helping a newborn baby have a chance at life. How cool is that!
A visit to the Web site of the American Red Cross can provide you with detailed information on the blood and platelet donation processes. Please consider giving the gift of life. Give blood and platelets. It feels good.
I'm not telling you about my donation history to elicit pats on the back. My reason for sharing these experiences is to persuade you to consider donating whole blood or platelets. When you donate blood the first time, your blood is typed and its Rh factor is determined. If you're one of the fortunate few who are Rh negative, you can donate blood to premature babies and others with poor immune systems. Imagine your blood helping a newborn baby have a chance at life. How cool is that!
A visit to the Web site of the American Red Cross can provide you with detailed information on the blood and platelet donation processes. Please consider giving the gift of life. Give blood and platelets. It feels good.
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