Yes, indeedy...today I'm the champion non-passer-outer A- pint donor.
Today I donated blood!! I used to be "hooked" on donating blood, if you will...until they asked me to stop coming in. Good or bad, incentive programs really work with me.
In about 2001 or so I started donating blood. I was very tickled to discover that I have A- blood...after working through my disappointment of finding out that I do not have the coveted type O blood.
The first time I donated I breezed through it and decided I really wanted that "Gallon Club" incentive of a coffee mug decorated with a red blood drop and the number of gallons you have donated. I decided I would donate every time I was eligible. The second time I donated, I passed out once. The third time I gave I passed out a couple of times. And the fourth time I donated I passed out so many times they asked me not to come back.
I cannot express my disappointment from losing my chances at the Gallon Club mug. My mom sternly told me that if I would stop donating blood she'd buy me a damn coffee mug.
Mom, it's just not the same.
So I took a few years off and today was the first I'd donated in a long time. And everything went smoothly with no passing out. I'm really excited to be able to donate again. I don't think I'll donate every time I'm eligible, but even if I can donate once a year or so that sure is better than never. Now they have a "Share Life" program for donors to enroll and track their donations, earn points, and, yep, you guessed it...purchase incentive products with their points! Count me in!
And I must say, donating blood is close to my heart. My mother encountered a near fatal surgical complication a few years back and had to have several units of blood.
And if you're unable to donate, please encourage your friends and family to do so. It's easy and isn't painful. And for wimps like me who don't care to see the needle in my arm, the staff at the Kentucky Blood Center are super cool. Today the fellow even reminded me that, as I looked the other way, I might be able to see him stick me in reflection of the Bloodmobile window. I laughed, said thank you, and put my sweater over my face until he got me properly taped with an arm cover.
It saved my mom's life and I'll gladly do my best to try to save someone else's mom.
2 comments:
I am the coveted O blood type (O+) but they told me to stop donating because I cry. A lot. I have a bit of a needle phobia!
That's hilarious! Well, not really but you know what I mean. And lucky ducky...O+ blooder-you.
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