Dean and I are pretty enthusiastic about donating blood. There have been a number of reasons  throughout our lives that nudged us to do it. Dean has always felt good about donating blood and starting doing it regularly in high school. I always felt a bit squeamish about needles. But after 9/11; I started giving blood, I just felt like I had to do something and they were asking for donations. I was glad to do it and have continued. You never know who you will be helping; like our grand daughter, she needed many transfusions when she had heart surgeries. And our good friend, he  was diagnosed with leukemia and needed blood transfusions frequently. He told us some days he didn’t get a transfusion because the demand was higher than the supply. Did you know every time you donate it is enough to save three peoples lives? I’m assuming it is even more if it is used for babies likes our grand daughter.Please consider finding some time to donate this week.  Donating is pretty quick (about 30 to 60 minutes if you make an appointment), and doesn’t really hurt. You don’t even have to watch or see blood. I can look at the blood but I never look when they insert the needle.
If you haven’t donated in a while, or it’s your first time, here are a couple of tips: Drink lots of water before you go. Drink lots of water after you donate. The hospitality team at the donation site will have water and juice for you and a snack afterwards. You can go to www.redcrossblood.org to find out everything you need to know about donating blood and even make an appointment online. Every day lots of people depend on blood donations to survive. It feels great to donate; you’ll be somebody’s hero!  If you’ve donated recently or have anything to add, let us know in the comments section below!