HUM 6930 – Arts & Compassion Creative Practice #3

Compassionate Acts

I frequently donate blood because I am a O+. It is the most common blood type, so there is always a need for my blood type. Many people are afraid to donate their blood. Many say they just don't have the time. But if no one donated, what would happen if there was a shortage or worse yet, none available?

The image above shows my arm bandaged after giving a substantial amount of blood during a drive held at our hospital. The phlebotomist who drew my blood made a bow and stuck it on my bandage. It made me giggle and feel good about myself for having donated.
 
Often times mothers lose so much blood during birth that they require an infusion. Newborns, especially preemies require blood. People undergoing chemo for lymphoma and leukemia need blood replacement after their chemo treatments. If no one shows up to donate these people my not survive.

It doesn't take very long and there are always multiple locations for one to donate. And your blood replaces itself pretty quickly so you never even miss it.

I began doing this many years ago when my father was in need of blood due to some surgery that required him to have a third of his stomach removed. He almost died because he had received the wrong blood. I will always wonder if it was because he needed blood badly and his type was not available.

Giving blood is one of the most compassionate acts a person can do. Giving a part of yourself, the very blood that nourishes your body, to help another be well is such a small but important gesture to help your fellow human have a healthier life.

Visit http://www.igiveblood.com/ today and make a contribution that could save a life. It could be your own or someone you love.