.... but there's no reason to stop you.
This summer, the amazing VancouverMom blogger group learned that one of their own, Marilyn from A Lot of Loves, had been placed in a medically induced coma as treatment for serious complications arising from a complicated surgical procedure. In addition to the ripples of shock and concern, the main online talk was about what the group could do for Marilyn and her family, how to leverage the power of this online connected bunch of savvy communicators for good. But what indeed?
As part of her ongoing therapy, Marilyn had received numerous units of blood. Her husband, when asked what the group could do, suggested that simply giving blood would be very much appreciated This inspired a number of the group to suggest a blood drive - donating a unit and then blogging to spread awareness for this precious natural resource. Go moms! It's in you to give! So since then, they've been rolling up their sleeves and flexing their forearms at a local blood donation station near you.
Hmmm.
This is something I cannot do as I'm doubly damned for blood donations here, with my UK residency compounding my tainted-by-cancer diagnosis. Fears of mad cow and metastatic bundles floating around my body preclude me from offering any more than an autologous donation.
So I can't roll up my sleeve for the needle, but I can roll up my sleeves and type. Here's my message to you - get out there and donate your blood.
You'll not miss it.
You will replace what you give in a few weeks, and you generally won't even notice it's gone in the meantime.
You could save a life.
... and if you can't, do what i'm doing and shout out about it ;)
For more information on where to donate and whether you are eligible, check out the Canadian Blood Services.
- To donate, you must be at least 17 years of age, in general good health, and feeling well on the day of your donation.
- You must weigh at least 50 kg (110 lb).
- The minimum time between blood donations is 56 days (8 weeks).
- You must have a hemoglobin of at least 125 g/L.
- You must wait until the day after a dental cleaning or filling, and 72 hours after a tooth extraction, root canal or dental surgery.
- If you've had a cold, flu or sore throat you must recover fully before donating.
- If you've had ear or body piercing or tattooing, you must wait at least six months before donating.
