Saving Lives 1 Pint At A Time

Thursday, February 12, 2009

My company sponsors blood drives a few times a year with the American Red Cross. The last time I went to donate my iron was too low. They will test your iron levels twice and for some reason of which I have no clue, usually the second stick will be high enough to donate. So the last time, I was really bummed out that I couldn't donate. I had scheduled my appointment for early morning, didn't eat breakfast yet and was going to give up a pint of blood. Sounds like a remedy for immediately passing out. I had to wait until the next blood drive to try again.

Today was my lucky day. It took me two tries for the iron test but I passed. Answered my health questions which were all NO, of course I was going to get a tattoo a few months ago. If you've had a tattoo or ear piercing in the last 12 months you can not donate. I chickened out on the tattoo, so saving a few lives, here I come!

My co-worker and I always schedule our donation appointments for the same time so we can go together. By the time I finished both finger pricks for the iron and finished my health questionnaire she was already in the chair. lol I requested my right arm for the donation. After through inspection by two techs it was determined my left arm would work better. I personally have trouble with my veins. They are small and try to hide out to spare me the 1 second of pain it takes to draw blood. Usually docs draw from my right arm. I was a punk today, I had nothing! lol

The techs had to switch the chair position so I could use my left arm. After another 10 minutes of pure Chantel drama, I was ready to go. Honestly, giving blood and saving lives is not as dramatic as I make it out to be. In all the years I have given blood it takes *me* forever and a day. Everyone else sails right on through.

Ok, so here I am, my bag is full. Once the Red Cross tests my blood and I come back pure and clean and ready to save lives...off my blood goes...it's really THAT SIMPLE!

No seriously, it is...I tend to write long winded, I'm a chick and when I speak or write I have to include every minute detail, like the fact that you can pick your color arm bandage. I obviously picked purple!

I have a challenge for YOU, oh 7 followers of my newly started blog. DONATE BLOOD AND SAVE A LIFE! The actual donation is about 7-10 minutes. It takes longer to go through the health questions and record your vital signs etc...

Here are the top 10 reasons to give taken from the American Red Cross website

10 You will get free juice and cookies.
9 You will weigh less — one pint less when you leave than when you came in.
8 It's easy and convenient — it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
7 It's something you can spare — most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
6 Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.
5 You will walk a little taller afterwards — you will feel good about yourself.
4 You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
3 It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous — blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.
2 You will be someone's hero — you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
1 It's the right thing to do.

Today, besides saving up to three lives by donating 1 pint of my 10+ pints of blood I got:

1) A sturdy reusable shopping bag. Donate blood, save the environment, save a life
2) Free soda: Our donation canteen had coke, sprite, water or orange juice
3) A cute heart shaped sticker that says " Be nice to me, I gave blood today!" I have used this sticker to my advantage numerous times. hahaha
4) COOKIES! If you've never had Famous Amos Cookies before you are missing out on a sweet treat. I choose chocolate chip, but they also have Oatmeal Raisin or Pretzels

I don't know about you, but I'm a girl that LOVES free stuff. :)

So what do you say? Spare a pint, save a life? The Red Cross makes it very easy to donate. Just call 1-800-GIVELIFE or search for your local donation center here.

Still not convinced? Check out the top 10 reasons people don't give blood. Don't be a punk! It's quick, easy and worth every second of your time!

I'm counting on YOU! If you donate, let me know. I'll send you something special. :)

chantelligence.com

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I DONATED BLOOD TODAY AT MY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME... AND THE PAIN WAS HORRIBLE,THE NIDDLE, OH MY GOSH ! MAYBE IM BEING A LITTLE OVERLY DRAMATIC BUT THATS HOW I FEEL. I DIDNT JUST DO IT TO SAVE LIFES BUT ALSO BECAUSE WHEN MY MOTHER HAD MY BROTHER SHE LOST ALOT OF BLOOD SO SHE HAD TO GET TWO PINTS OF BLOOD...AND I THOUGHT "HEY MAYBE I CAN DO THE SAME THING...AND HELP SOMEONE OUT" :) I SIMPLY HATE THE NIDDLE AND SIDE EFFECTS !

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