Responding to yesterday’s post about my failed blood donating experience, Bettina suggested I try to inspire others who could donate blood to go do so on my behalf. (I hope I am paraphrasing you right!)
I think this is a noble idea; however, I would go further to emphasise that people should want to go off and do so on their own bat. The gesture, to me, doesn’t mean so much if it isn’t done with the recipients’ in mind, more so than someone who could – let’s not forget I could’ve still donated if I’d chosen – but didn’t. These days, I was surprised, at the level of screening. I expected screening, but not screening. I had to give them everything. For example, they made especial note that I’d taken Nurofen and Voltaren last weekend and had to go look up a medication book to check – I assume – that by now it would’ve cleared my system. All perfectly understandable.
But for all the administrative clearances I needed, I realised that by the end of it I really, really, wanted to do it. Because although I was the last candidate for the evening, there were lots of other people witting around having their cordial and biscuits afterwards, to get their sugar-levels back up. All sorts of people, too. Business men sweating in their collars; a mother and daughter team. One underage girl who’d had to be given clearance by her parents before she was allowed to enter.
All sorts of people.
Who might one day save your life. Or someone you love.
They missed out on my A+ yesterday. But they will get it one day – oh yes, they will. And that will be a good day, my friends.
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Do you want to donate blood but have no idea how? Don’t know if you fit the criteria? Think you’re too young? Old? On a variety of prescriptions that you assume will automatically rule you out?
Go to www.donateblood.com.au
You may be surprised. You may not be eligible – but then you may will be. You won’t know unless you check.
There you will find a link to find your nearest centre, and also make an appointment, if you wish.
If you do – come tell me. I will give you big cyber-hugs.
