Until September 22, 2015, I was a regular blood donor. That’s the day I was admitted to the ER gasping for breath. The doctors concluded that for reasons unknown, my blood had begun clotting more often than needed, and my lungs were full of clots. I left the hospital on a regimen of blood thinning drugs, and they recommended I stay on them, lest another clot stop my breathing, or my heart, or my brain.
Not long after, I found out that this life saving drug made it impossible for me to donate blood safely. The Red Cross no longer can accept me as a donor.
One blood donation has the potential to save as many as three lives. I’m posting today to encourage you, if you are able, to donate blood. Yes, it takes a little time. Yes, a needle stick is uncomfortable. But there are few things a person can do that can give so much to the world.
Some facts:
- Today, fewer than 4 of every 10 people in the U.S. are eligible to give blood.
- Fewer than 1 in 10 actually donate.
- Approximately 40,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States.
- 3 teaspoons of blood can save a baby’s life.
- Most whole blood donors can give every 8 weeks.
- Blood lasts only 42 days.
– info from www.bloodsource.org
Want to do a mitzvah that will cost you nothing but a little time? Use this website to find a blood donation center or drive near you.
Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.
— Tractate Sanhedrin 37a.
My son gives blood & platelets all the time. He just reached the 20 gallon mark! Best yet, he gives in the name of our Temple so any temple member can get needed blood from the local bloodbank.
Carol, your son is such a wonderful parent and human being. You have much to be proud of!
good encouragement! sorry you are unable to continue that mitzvah, but glad you are promoting. it is a simple and satisfying way to help.
Thank you! And thanks for reading and commenting!
Our local blood bank no longer wants my blood, but they are in need of plasma because of my blood type.So, every 4 weeks, I donate plasma. It only takes about an hour and such a mitzvah it is! Not to mention good karma!
Pamela FenderAuthorBeside Myself:Recovery From My Family Betrayal and Estrangement – A Memoirhttp://amzn.to/1HsHsywWebsite: http://bit.ly/1cYkO5O“Like” my book on Facebook:http://on.fb.me/1FcWvfz
From: Coffee Shop Rabbi To: pdfender@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2016 9:09 PM Subject: [New post] Save A Life! (Save a World!) #yiv4555344082 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv4555344082 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv4555344082 a.yiv4555344082primaryactionlink:link, #yiv4555344082 a.yiv4555344082primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv4555344082 a.yiv4555344082primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv4555344082 a.yiv4555344082primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv4555344082 WordPress.com | rabbiadar posted: “Until September 22, 2015, I was a regular blood donor. That’s the day I was admitted to the ER gasping for breath. The doctors concluded that for reasons unknown, my blood had begun clotting more often than needed, and my lungs were full of clots. I left ” | |