After a long and nearly sleepless night (due to neighbor noise- long story) I arrived on time to the Red Cross this morning for my platelet apheresis donation. I was so tired and feeling really grateful for a comfy lounger, soft blankets and warming packs tucked in all around me. I chose a movie (The Departed) and prepared to zone out for an hour or so. No such luck! The nurse couldn't find my vein and had to get help to jam the damn needle into my arm over and over. Of course, my arm is killing me and bleeding everywhere before they give up and move on to the other arm. Fortunately, the other nurse was able to get that arm going in just two stabs. It's not their fault I have awful veins, but after the night I had I was ready to cry from exhaustion (and pain). Once they finally had a good vein i was as comfy cozy as could be. The whole event took twice as long as normal, but on the bright side... I got to finish a movie in peace, eat cookies, Drew made me a delicious lunch and I got to take a long nap this afternoon! Oh yeah, and I probably helped save a life! How awesome is that?!

Please don't let my complaints deter you from donating blood or platelets. The Red Cross staff is well-trained and they do everything they can to make you very comfortable. I just happen to have crappy veins and usually suffer a bit more when I go in because of it. As a matter of fact, I challenge you to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to www.RedCross.org and make an appointment right now! C'mon, what are you waiting for? A little prick and a small amount of time is all you give up and in return you get to help someone who is in crisis.

"In an apheresis (ay-fur-ee-sis) donation, donors give only select blood components — platelets, plasma, red cells, infection-fighting white cells called granulocytes, or a combination of these, depending on the donors' blood type and the needs of the community. A single apheresis donation of platelets can provide as many platelets as FIVE whole blood donations. In addition, a platelet transfusion from a single donor greatly reduces the chances of an immune system reaction to the transfusion. Bone marrow transplant, cancer and leukemia patients whose immune systems are already compromised, benefit particularly from single donor platelet transfusions." (copied from Red Cross site.)


TOP TEN REASONS TO GIVE BLOOD...
10. You will get free juice and cookies.
9. You will weigh less — one pint less when you leave than when you came in.
8. It's easy and convenient — it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
7. It's something you can spare — most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
6. Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.
5. You will walk a little taller afterwards — you will feel good about yourself.
4. You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
3. It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous — blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.
2. You will be someone's hero — you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
1. It's the right thing to do!

Are you still here? Go make the call! 1-800-GIVE-LIFE