This Wednesday, June 17, a Bloodmobile will be in our parking lot off Rivers Avenue from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., as South Carolina Federal Credit Union hosts a blood drive for the American Red Cross. Employees have signed up to donate and members are welcome, too. So, absentmindedly the other day, I found myself glancing at a pamphlet, “Top 10 reasons people don’t give blood.”
Being that I work in a marketing department, I was impressed by this crafty tactic: those 10 excuses were pretty lame. Seeing them in black and white – and thinking of the number of times I’d hardly justified my failure to donate using those same laughable “reasons” – made me acknowledge the possibility that no good excuse exists.
Softening a little, I did some research to find out just how my hypothetical donation might be used. One source said that “donated blood benefits victims of accidents or burns, surgery patients and people undergoing treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease or hemophilia. Yet, since someone needs blood every three seconds, shortages often occur.” Huh. I immediately pictured sick children. So this is what it feels like to face facts.
Therefore, being no great fan of needles, I hereby resolve to get over myself for a few minutes this week and donate blood. My plan: to talk about something else, look the other way, and think of a child somewhere whose need far outweighs any excuse I can drum up not to give. Oh come on, join me.
Loved the post! When my dad was battling cancer 4+ years ago, he needed a lot of blood transfusions and it would not have been possible without the help of blood donors, so a big THANK YOU to all who donate to such a great cause!!!
Who can argue with a testimony like that? Thank you!
I gave, but that straw in my arm still hurt. Thinking of the people I might’ve helped and not looking helps… but the free coke and chic-fil-a sandwich might be some of the best motivators for me.
I give because it just seems like the right thing to do. If potential donors were to face their fears, they would realize that it’s not really a big deal…except to the recipients who need blood from others to survive!
I am very thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information ,,”