For the Good of all Mankind

Nothing can take the place of blood.

Most people don’t think a lot about being a blood donor. I know it never crossed my mind until one day my wife came home and said, “Guess what? I gave blood today!” Well I thought, goody for you. She explained the entire process and how important the blood supply was for those who are injured or suffering from an illness.

She had a little pin they gave her which she proudly showed me. I listened and went on about my business. I began to think if I should become a donor. I did some research and found a donation center. On the next available day off I went to the blood donation center by myself and gave blood.

The people there were nice and business like. After giving I felt really good about what I had done. I felt like I did something good to be proud of like my dear wife had. When I returned to work I proudly showed that I had decided to donate blood.

What I didn’t know until later the blood donation center kept track of how much you donated. I felt so good about giving blood I started doing it once a month. When I had reached a milestone I was given a coffee cup marked 1 Gallon Donor. Boy was I so proud of that coffee cup. I took it to work and put it on my desk and drank coffee out of it.

Then I discovered another way to give was giving platelets. Giving platelets took a little longer but counted as two pints of blood. There was always a great need for platelets as well. Platelets were used in fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. I always felt good giving blood but I felt twice as good giving platelets.

Each time I reached a milestone I would take that special marked coffee cup to work and show it off. I had not only had became a donor but I had become an ambassador for giving blood. Giving blood & platelets felt really good because I know I was helping someone somewhere. It was a great self esteem boost that I just enjoyed each month.

When people at work would ask me what are you planning to do on your days off. I’d smile real big and say I’m going to give blood. Blood donors are a vital part of a team. A team that saved lives. A team I will forever be proud of joining. I urge you today to think about joining our life saving team. Be somebody and give blood for all of mankind!