The weather is clearing, the sun is shining and the sandals are out. On campus, students lounge in the grass and soak in the season with happy hearts and healthy bodies. All is well, and the day couldn't be any better. Then a sign crosses your line of sight, asking for more than your attention. They want your blood. It's polite, of course, saying please and thank you. But you cringe and turn away, leaving the volunteer smiling on to the next person.
Recommended for you
I know donating blood can be scary. When I first donated blood in high school, I didn't know what to expect, but I was determined to push through the hesitation and help those in need. I was inspired by the people in my life who donated regularly and wanted to include myself to the act. It didn't turn out the way I expected it to.
I don't want this picture of my arm to scare you, but it is a possible result of donating blood. My veins are small and rolling, making it difficult to locate, which caused a series of complications during the donation process. I was left with colorful bruising throughout my inner arm for a good three weeks.
This bad experience doesn't prevent me from advocating blood donation. I still aspire to donate, but unfortunately the steps I would have to go through are a lot more complicated than your average person's. Therefore, I turn to the people I know for the help they can provide. The American Red Cross has an entire webpage dedicated to giving blood, including blood recipient stories. I strongly encourage you to read them. There are stories like that of Melanie Pesta's, who wholeheartedly thanks and recognizes the generous donations that gave her daughter 109 more days of life.
Donating your blood is a selfless act. You are generously giving a part of your body to another. But it is not something to boast about to others after you do. Donating is a serious matter, a contribution to improving and even saving lives. So if you can, please do take the time to seriously consider donating. Walk up to the blood drive events on campus and ask any questions you may have. You may leave with the answer to the question another may be asking about their quality of life.
