My A&P instructor posted volunteer opportunities and do-good-deeds for extra credit on the PCC homepage. I decided to do two; donate blood and join the Bone Marrow Registry List.
Monday, I'm donating blood at the Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. Wish me luck, it'll be my first time donating.
I admit, I knew zip about Bone Marrow donation, but it sounded like a good thing. I checked out the link for the National Marrow Donor Program and clicked on donations. At that time, it did not cost a cent to register. Depending on the time of year (due to funding) there could be a charge of $50-$100. I knew the process was painless, buccal swabs (uh, that's rubbing q-tips on the inside of your cheek), send them off and maybe, one day, help someone out who's in a bad situation, medically.
I was feeling gracious and saw that the kit costs $52 to send and process, so that's the amount I donated to the National Marrow Donor Program, (pause for the appropriate nod in approval). That was last week - and today my kit arrived!!
It was much smaller then I thought but hell, how big of an envelope do you need for four, long Q-Tips, right?
Time to start swabbing...
-Make sure the q-tip only makes contact with the inside of your cheek.
-With the same amount pressure you use to brush your teeth, swab for 10 seconds.
-Insert into provided holder.
And return in the envelope provided. Whew! All of five minutes to do something really awesome for someone else.
I'm not one to push people to do things they don't want to do but this is something extraordinary! There's such a need for donors and right now it doesn't cost a penny! But if donating is too personal or weird, why not throw a couple bucks towards a great organization?
I'm feeling better all ready. And of course, I'll let you know if I am ever matched with someone.
3 comments:
thats awesome you are taking those steps!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for being a blood donor! You'll help save up to three lives, which is pretty incredible.
Stop by and see us any time!
Lise Harwin
@RedCrossPDX
Lise: you're very welcome! I'm scheduled for Monday (03/01/2010). I'm pretty anxious. Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness donating blood was acknowledged as thoughtful but "wrong." This will be my first time donating blood. I feel good about it though. One of my younger brothers was in a very serious auto accident January 2002 and my parents chose for him to not receive blood. Not sure if that had anything to do w/his prolonged recovery time, but I'm thankful for my health, why shouldn't I share?
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