On Friday I checked off the second item on my 17 Before 2017 list that has a recurring deadline – annual blood donations. (The only other recurring goal is to read 42 books per year.) I had to give myself some leeway after re-discovering blood donating on my list at the end of the year when work commitments got in the way of getting to the blood bank before I left for the year. Since I can’t donate in the U.S., I gave myself until the end of January to count for 2011.
I added annual blood donations to my list because it is way outside my comfort zone. Shamefully, until Friday I had never voluntarily given more blood than is necessary for physicals. In fact, the first time I ever had blood drawn for medical purposes was for my pre-Peace Corps physical. The doctor used a butterfly needle because I’m such a wimp. I even passed out one time giving blood for a mid-Peace Corps physical (although I’m pretty sure that was due to poor technique by the MO). At the same time I think that being a blood donor makes you a good grown up. My Mom is a great example. I remember her donating regularly when I was growing up through blood drives at church or school, etc. My brother-in-law is also a regular blood donor. I’ve just been a wimp this whole time.
Friday’s experience at the blood bank was fine. The worst part about it was when the nurse grimaced when she saw the tiny veins in my arm. I am not joking. I recruited several friends to come along and the staff at the centre were thrilled to have us. There is a desperate need for blood products in Lesotho and in most developing countries. Maternal mortality here is high and sometimes those deaths are as a result of not having blood to give when a woman has postpartum hemorrhage. The staff at the blood bank told us that if we had called ahead they would have come to us. For just 4 units! That really struck me.
I’m keeping annual blood donations on my 17 Before 2017 list, but now my intention is to go every 3 months and to try to bring someone new each time.
That is great! I used to donate blood regularly. Then in 1999 the changed who could donate. Because I lived in Scotland in the mid 1990s they said I no longer could donate. It is still something that makes me sad, I wish I could still donate. Good for you!
Yeah, I have a friend who went to boarding school in the UK in the mid-90s and he also can’t donate in the U.S. They don’t have the same restrictions here and I think it shows more that people in the U.S. & Europe can be a little over protective.
Blood donations are awesome. Thanks for reminding me I need to get out and do this. Unlike you though, I have HUGE veins – they pop right out of my arm – a phlebotomists dream.
Way to go Heather! I’m sure Red Cross will be calling me again soon to donate. They call every six weeks like clockwork!
[…] blood donor as part of my 17 Before 2017 list. Unfortunately I waited too long to go back since the first time I donated in January and was recently advised not to since I am so close to climbing Kilimanjaro and I need all the red […]