Totally off topic . . .

[leapyrtwins]

January is National Blood Donor Month and I just wanted to encourage those who can donate to do so.

Only 36% of the population is qualified to donate, and of those only 5% actually do.  I find that pretty sad, especially when one donation of whole blood can save up to 3 lives.  There are also other ways to donate - platelets or ALYX - that are equally important, so please give if you can.

I've been a regular donor for years  - had to defer myself around the time of my AN surgery - and I think it's important to get the word out.

Please pass this along to family members, friends, colleagues, etc.,  Blood is an important thing.  Donating is free and it takes very little time out of your day.  A needle in the arm once every 8 weeks is nothing compared to brain surgery 

Best,

Jan

[Kaybo]

Jan~
I am giving again and tried to go as a friend of mine was in a HORRIBLE car crash - he used 15 units in his 1st surgery (6 hours)!!  They set up an "honorary" (in his name but obviously he won't get THAT blood) - I went, but they don't need A+ right now!  They are supposed to call me ASAP when they need A+ again!

K 

[texsooner]

I agree 100% with what Jan says. My company does a blood drive about every 10 weeks and I donate a pint every time. It only takes about 30 minutes and is virtually painless. I realize not everyone can donate, but for those who can, I'd really encourage it....like Jan says, a pint can save 3 lives. This is another way of paying it forward.

I feel blessed to have come through my AN surgery in such good shape (without needing blood)....I realize that many surgeries require extra units of blood, so if and when my family or myself required donated blood in the future, I'd be very grateful for that supply to be there.

Patrick

[nteeman]

 I have an appointment on Thursday!  They have drives here at work throughout the year and I usually donate at least 3 times a year (except last year when I had my surgery, I only went once so I have to get back on track).

Neal

[Brendalu]

Extreme Home Makeover is doing a house in my neck of the woods this week (unveiling is Thursday, the show is Sunday)  I donated at the blood drive they set up.  They do an awfully lot for the community where they are building.  It is great to see all of the blood drives set up all over town and the county.
Brenda

[Kaybo]

WOW!  I didn't know that they did that while they were building...good to know!!

K   

[lori67]

Brenda,

I didn't know they did that either.  That is a great thing!

Jan, thanks for the reminder.  I haven't been able to donate for a while, but I'm pretty sure I can now.  I'll have to see when the next drive is around here.  I like to go to the ones at the churches - they have the best snacks for after you donate!   

Lori

[moe]

Thanks for the reminder Jan!
I'll try my hardest.
A-, (blood type)
Maureen