Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - How many gallons of blood have you donated??

KathieI · 08-26-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pturner

KathieI!!!

Actually, I've been a regular blood donor since I was old enough to give blood. I believe that was 18 years old, although that was so long ago, I can hardly remember if it was 16 or 18.

I have a 10 gallon pin from Red Cross, but have probably given closer to 20. Back in the old days (don't know if they still do), they started ladies' records all over again when we married and changed our names.

To me, giving blood is perhaps the most awesome thing many of us can do in our entire lifetimes. Every time you give blood you are saving lives. Think about that for a minute. Really think about it-- the joyful loved ones, the future contributions of the people who didn't die.

There was a time when my blood lacked a rare immunity and it was needed and used exclusively for premature infants. I could just imagine the joy of the parents and grandparents being able to take the baby home alive. There is nothing I will ever be able to do more precious than that!

The company I used to work for had blood drives four times a year. I discovered one year that none of my staff of ten had ever participated. I gave a challenge that if four of them participated in the upcoming drive, I would take the entire staff to lunch (my expense). If eight did, I would take all of them to dinner. The $400 that dinner cost me was my proudest investment-- as five of the eight have become regular blood donors, as has the wife one of my former employees. For that, I feel that I have made a difference.

BTW, I'm afraid of needles. When they first came out, I used to take a Sony Walkman with soothing music to get me through it. Now if course I use my iPhone music.

I hope this post perhaps will move others to consider the gift of life. Not everyone can give. But if you can, just think-- you could spend the rest of your life saving lives!

p.s., I will not be in TV on Sept. 11. I still give up here. But if you are in TV and can, please, please participate. Break a record. PLEASE.

One of the many reasons we love you, PT, your the best...