Monday, March 29, 2010

Give Blood


Today there was a blood drive in town.  In the past year I have become a regular blood donor but today I decided to take this commitment a step further, I gave platelets.  I was a little nervous about it but I just told myself that I needed to do this to help someone else. 

Tonight when I got home I went online to find some more information about donating platelets, here is what I found:

Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions. Cancer patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of traumatic injuries, and patients undergoing open heart surgery require platelet transfusions to survive.
Because platelets can be stored for only five days, the need for platelet donations is vast and continuous.
Platelet transfusions are needed each year by thousands of patients like these:
  • Heart Surgery Patient, 6 units
  • Burn Patient, 20 units
  • Organ Transplant Patient, 30 units
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Patient, 120 units
After reading this, what I did today seams like such a small part.
During my donation I was feeling light headed and cold.  
Although I felt a little discomfort and it definitely took a lot longer to donate, it was worth it in the end.
After reading what I found I now know that I will be going back to donate platelets again.

3 comments:

Photos by Julee said...

That is so awesome Patti! Jenn has been doing that for the past several years. She has a rare blood type and they actually call her at times when they need more. She gives blood and platelets. Such a wonderful thing to do. I have always wanted to but because of my liver...my doctor told me they don't want my blood. You should be proud of yourself!

jules said...

That's cool, but I am such a chicken...

MOM said...

I am soooo proud of you , Patti