Not many people know this about me, but I have been a blood donor since high school, on the OneMatch unrelated bone marrow donor registry since 2003 and when I was 24 I signed the back of my health care card indicating that I wanted to be an organ donor in the event of my untimely death.
I’ve never been faced with a situation where I, or my loved ones, required any of these ‘services’. In that, I’m very fortunate. I chose to do this because it’s such a small thing that can have a huge effect on my fellow man. Unless asked, I do not usually discuss this, but recently a few things have happened that make me want to talk about it.
Through the magic of Facebook, I reconnected with a childhood playmate and have learned that his mother requires a transplant. I am both saddened and amused by his blogs as he and his family walk this path. In a recent blog, I laughed at his story about becoming a blood donor for the first time at age 30-something. Ironically enough, we share a relatively rare blood type.
The other event that has occurred in my life pertains to a little boy in my daughter’s preschool. His older brother has been struggling with leukemia for years. He recently relapsed and now requires a transplant however unfortunately none of his immediate family are a match, so now they are searching the system for an unrelated donor. My heart goes out to this family and I cannot image the depth of the fear, joys and frustrations they have lived with for the past 4 years.
So as you read this, I appeal to you to go give blood. It’s pretty simple, takes about an hour and you get cookies at the end! www.blood.ca is the Canadian Blood Services website with information on where to give blood, mobile clinics and more.
Have a look at www.onematch.ca to learn more about Stem Cell and Bone Marrow donation.
And if you feel right about it, sign your organ donor card. I figure if I’m dead, what do I need my organs for? 🙂
And give your spouse and kids a huge hug and kiss and be grateful for good health!
Cheers!
Voula
