Ed, as a regular blood donor, I'm right there with you. I discovered many years ago that giving blood just made me feel a little better about the world at a very human level. There's something so basic and simple.
I am Rh-negative, and my husband is Rh-positive. We have two daughters. We would have been at risk for Rh incompatibilities but for the RhoGAM shot, first released just over 50 years ago. I'm truly humbled.
I also have O-negative blood. Not rare, but that makes me a universal donor, so I keep giving. I've even looped my husband into this for more than the cookies. In fact, he's discovered an ever-so-slight benefit for folks with high blood pressure: give a little (ya know, release that pressure). So, we go together. Every 8 weeks. I tipped past 104 units this last time.
Thank you all Blood Donors. You are unsung heroes because of the invisible benefits given to others. Your donation of blood, plasma, or platelets has undoubtedly helped countless people in many ways. It may have helped save a life in a crisis situation, given one increased strength after a surgical procedure, or allowed a patient with cancer to continue treatments. The comfort brought to individuals, families, and society through blood donations, cannot be measured. Blood Gives Life. Blood Gives Strength. Blood Gives Hope.
Hi Ed, thanks for this piece. I go to the Rhode Island blood center every 3 weeks and have for years and have reached over 9 gallons I believe. Also given when I worked at Rhode Island Hospital in other locations. It always feels good for exactly the reasons you spell out.
Hi Ed. I'm so glad you devoted a column to giving blood. I became a blood donor back in college when my fraternity joined the college blood drive. I discovered I have AB negative which only .6% of the world population have my blood type. In the 50+ years that followed I was a consistent blood donor for this rarest type of blood. It pained me give up donating blood when I was diagnosed with BPH, but still gave after periodically dropping Finasteride for one month to give blood. My pacemaker/Eliquis medication now prohibits me from being a blood donor. To those who can still give blood, I suggest take a little longer at the RI Blood Center and give platelets which is extremely valuable to would-be recipients. The ability to share what God has provided to sustain us is such a humbling and rewarding experience. Bless you for passing along your story.
Larry, just think of the many lives you saved over the years. Thank you.
I heard from a subscriber who has given 30 gallons! Imagine.
I tried the platelet and cells, but I had some reaction, so I continue now with whole blood. There are so many ways to help people, Larry. Would that everyone found a way.
My husband is alive because 13 people gave blood and thanks to those 13 people he got to attend both of our children’s weddings and saw his grandchildren. I try to give but often my blood count is too low. So thank you to those who give.
Ed, as a regular blood donor, I'm right there with you. I discovered many years ago that giving blood just made me feel a little better about the world at a very human level. There's something so basic and simple.
I am Rh-negative, and my husband is Rh-positive. We have two daughters. We would have been at risk for Rh incompatibilities but for the RhoGAM shot, first released just over 50 years ago. I'm truly humbled.
I also have O-negative blood. Not rare, but that makes me a universal donor, so I keep giving. I've even looped my husband into this for more than the cookies. In fact, he's discovered an ever-so-slight benefit for folks with high blood pressure: give a little (ya know, release that pressure). So, we go together. Every 8 weeks. I tipped past 104 units this last time.
Marvelous. Thank you for sharing, Barbara.
Thank you all Blood Donors. You are unsung heroes because of the invisible benefits given to others. Your donation of blood, plasma, or platelets has undoubtedly helped countless people in many ways. It may have helped save a life in a crisis situation, given one increased strength after a surgical procedure, or allowed a patient with cancer to continue treatments. The comfort brought to individuals, families, and society through blood donations, cannot be measured. Blood Gives Life. Blood Gives Strength. Blood Gives Hope.
God Bless!
Thanks, Lora. It's a noble thing to do; one that makes a difference in many lives. I chatted with a friend who has given 30 gallons!
Imagine his impact.
Hi Ed, thanks for this piece. I go to the Rhode Island blood center every 3 weeks and have for years and have reached over 9 gallons I believe. Also given when I worked at Rhode Island Hospital in other locations. It always feels good for exactly the reasons you spell out.
Bill Kirkpatrick
Yes, it does make you feel good. And it does 'good'
Thanks, Bill
I remember when we got Dunkin Donuts coffee and free mugs after a gallon of donations! Great incentive to donate!
Yes, Jeanne, the community support for blood donors has been and continues to be outstanding
Hi Ed. I'm so glad you devoted a column to giving blood. I became a blood donor back in college when my fraternity joined the college blood drive. I discovered I have AB negative which only .6% of the world population have my blood type. In the 50+ years that followed I was a consistent blood donor for this rarest type of blood. It pained me give up donating blood when I was diagnosed with BPH, but still gave after periodically dropping Finasteride for one month to give blood. My pacemaker/Eliquis medication now prohibits me from being a blood donor. To those who can still give blood, I suggest take a little longer at the RI Blood Center and give platelets which is extremely valuable to would-be recipients. The ability to share what God has provided to sustain us is such a humbling and rewarding experience. Bless you for passing along your story.
Larry, just think of the many lives you saved over the years. Thank you.
I heard from a subscriber who has given 30 gallons! Imagine.
I tried the platelet and cells, but I had some reaction, so I continue now with whole blood. There are so many ways to help people, Larry. Would that everyone found a way.
My husband is alive because 13 people gave blood and thanks to those 13 people he got to attend both of our children’s weddings and saw his grandchildren. I try to give but often my blood count is too low. So thank you to those who give.
Another remarkable and personal story. I love it. Thank you, Martha.
For many years I donated blood every six months,even going to Boston hospitals when friends needed it.
And then the sad moment I was told my blood was too “weak” to share anymore!
Donating blood should be a great feeling!
Thanks, Joe. Good for you. I agree; it is a great feeling.
I haven't forgotten to stop by. Soon. . .
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