Wanted: New Blood
I received an e-mail reminder from the FDA this week, and the subject was "Have You Given Blood Lately?"
I read it and felt guilty. It's one of those things you feel weird telling people--like you don't really like chocolate or your favorite movie is something horrible like Gigli or Norbit--but I have never given blood.
It's not because I haven't wanted to...it's mostly because I'm afraid to do it. Every time I get blood taken for tests, the phlebotomists (or oftentimes, the nurses) have problems finding a good vein. So I end up getting poked multiple times and start to feel faint. I'm not afraid of needles, but I do start to feel queasy when they keep poking me with no results.
After getting my friendly FDA reminder, I decided I'm going to make it an early New Year's resolution to try giving blood sometime this year. After all, after working at ADVANCE for 3 years, I know how important it is that people donate blood. With many blood donation centers struggling for donors right now, anyone who can donate should. It seems almost like a civic duty, like voting.
If you need any more reason to give blood, click here to read a story I wrote about a year ago on Lizzie Bell, a blood donation advocate. A teenager, Lizzie has Diamond Blackfan Anemia, and she needs blood transfusions biweekly so she can combat the disease. Lizzie's traveled all over the country to spread the word of how important blood donation is, not only for people who have chronic diseases, but also for those who find themselves in car accidents or other types of situations where they need blood.
So I'll think of Lizzie and all the others who may need my blood when I finally "step up to the plate" and donate myself. And maybe I'll think about that post-donation cookie, too.