Friday, September 9, 2011

RAOK #11 - One Pint Down

I've been busy brainstorming on things I can do in rememberance of the 9/11 attack that happened almost 10 years ago. I had come up with an idea or two on RAOK activities that would involve my children and I still want to do more. Although I cannot do all that I'd like to do, I can do some.

My friend Tracy Thompson mentioned that she'd read some suggestions about how to remember that tragic day, one of which was the giving of blood. What a fabulous idea and why hadn't I thought of that?!

So today I took my lunch hour at the local chapter of the American Red Cross. It has been a very long time since I last donated. In fact, they had my maiden name on file and I've been happily married for 13.5 years. I was admittedly afraid that I might pass out or hurl on the tile but I ventured forth.

I gave my pint, drank my Diet Coke and ate some complimentary popcorn (it's a snack vending paradise in there!). I asked oodles of questions about my blood, platelets, plasma, etc. and what would happen to it. I was told that single pint would go towards saving up to two lives. Not a bad way to spend the lunch hour if I may say so.

When was the last time you donated?