How you can be a hero to someone you don’t know
Giving blood is among the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I’ll tell you 3 reasons why you might feel the same.
I discovered blood donation one day at a former employer when they were setting up in our building. I heard they were looking for donors, but I was a little apprehensive. Would it hurt? Could I get sick from giving blood? For reasons I don’t remember all these years later I decided why not? I was healthy and eligible, and it was just a little needle stick and it didn’t take much time.
Blood is always needed
It wasn’t until later that I understood the constant need and how important blood donations are. Supplies are often low, especially in the summer months when typical donors are on vacation. According to the American Red Cross, whole blood has a shelf life of only 21-35 days so fresh supplies are needed on a daily basis.
Was it you?
I have no idea who I have helped. Maybe it was a child in the ICU. Maybe it was a mother in labor, someone battling cancer, a hemophiliac or victim of a car accident. It currently doesn’t benefit me, my family or friends. At least not at this very moment.
But that could change in a split second. Nobody knows when an accident or illness that would require a blood transfusion could occur.
Habits are hard to break
I am officially giving blood for the 34th time today since 2002. Unofficially, the number might be more around 50. Regardless, I estimate I have given over 6 gallons of blood throughout the years. You might say I’m a serial blood giver.
Will it be you?
Why am I so passionate about giving blood? I’m still not sure I know the answer, but it makes me feel good knowing I can help someone even if I don’t know their name, where they live or what they look like. And who knows? It might be YOUR spouse, child, parent or relative I help save with my blood donation today.
It can be you!
So, if you’ve never donated before, give it a try. If you haven’t donated in a while, now is the perfect time to do so again. Here are the details…
When?
August 20th, 2019
9am – 1pm
Where?
Liquid Interactive
7540 Windsor Drive
Allentown, PA 18195
Miller-Keystone Mobile Donation Center
The donation center will be located in the parking lot
Sign up for your time slot here
RSVP to our Facebook event and let your friends and family know you are donating!
Can’t make it on August 20th? Donate all month at any Miller-Keystone Blood Donation Centers and credit Liquid Interactive with our code (#7800) when you donate. All donors, will be entered to win from a variety of fun prizes for their participation!
Can't donate blood? Donate your dollars instead, online.
