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Every couple months I receive a phone call from the American Red Cross asking me to donate blood. I am special they tell me, as I have Type O Negative blood, the universal blood type.
I first donated blood while I was a student at UW-Platteville. The campus held at least two blood drives a year, and I could usually squeeze a donation in between classes. The first time I donated I was coaxed by a friend to go.
I was very nervous. Needles can be frightening, and it being my first time, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Maybe it was my nerves rubbing off, but the nurse missed my vein that first time and left me with a large bruise on my arm. I never wanted to go back!
I was coaxed a few more times to try again, but it was never something I especially wanted to do.
Then my grandpa got sick.
I thought of all the people like him that needed blood all across the country. I needed to put my fear aside because I was special; my blood could help anyone.
Earlier this year I received a letter in the mail that stated that one of my blood donations helped three patients at a hospital in Texas. It was a great feeling.
Every time the American Red Cross calls, I say yes to a donation. It only takes a couple minutes of time out of my day and I feel good after I'm done, knowing I have helped someone who is in need.
Summer is a time where blood banks can run low due to vacations and people just being busy. Please consider donating blood, especially this summer.
Each one of us is special, special in a way that we have something inside of us that can provide help to another person. Although I may not enjoy the needle, the rewarding feeling of helping someone outweighs that fear.
To make an appointment to give blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to find a donation site nearest you.