I've been donating blood since I was about 18. I don't remember how or why I started. I have a fairly rare blood type. Every single person can receive my blood type but I can only receive my own blood type. Since everybody can receive their own blood type AND my blood type (except me!) I have always felt it was important of me to donate as often as I could. I'm a "universal" donor.
I have donated whole blood, platelets and I believe I donated red blood cells once. I remember after donating for a few years the blood bank sent me a "certificate" in the mail that I had donated ONE GALLON of blood. Go me! Now I know they probably mean for this to be some kind of motivational tool but, honestly, imagining a whole gallon jug full of blood was a disgusting creepy thought! I've probably donated about 20 gallons by now. There's a nice mental image...
My local blood bank sends me flyers in the mail when they are having blood drives for a specific reason. Like a 3 yo girl who has leukemia. With her cute little picture and her sob story. Like I can say no to that?? Ugh, what if that was my kid?
So I know, it can be annoying or a little time consuming (45 whole minutes!) or you may even be scared of needles (just don't watch!) but you're helping someone, somewhere. And it didn't cost you a penny. So get out there and donate! Especially if you have a rare(ish) blood type. It, literally, could mean the difference between life and death for someone.
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