Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every two seconds. In the time it took me to write this sentence 15 people have required a blood transfusion. Just think about that. Imagine how much blood needs to be given to fulfill the amount that is needed. Now, think back to the last time you saw a blood drive poster, or were asked to donate. Did you say yes? If you did, I commend you. If you wanted to and couldn't, I commend you. If you said "oh I don't have time" or "I'm afraid of needles" or anything that would prevent you from donating, why are you making excuses?

I get it, donating can be a pretty daunting thing. They take a whole pint of your blood which does seem like a lot, but really isn't all that much in comparison to how much we have. Yes, you may faint afterwards or be extremely tired or have bruising or have any of the other possible side affects, but in reality, it's so worth it because of the lives you're saving. You have the ability to save three lives every time you donate blood. That's three people that are alive because of you and your minor sacrifice. How incredible is that? Just knowing that you gave up a simple hour of your life and small amount of blood and were able to save lives. Often in life we feel small and insignificant, like we can't affect things by ourselves unless we become soldiers, doctors, firefighters, etc. Donating blood is a way to make a mark on life. You can and will affect the lives of those you are saving and all who care about them

The one thing I hate hearing most is "I'm afraid of needles." Maybe the little girl with sickle cell disease is too, but it doesn't really matter because she's had to receive frequent transfusions since she was born and will have to for the rest of her life. Maybe the little boy with leukemia is also. It doesn't matter for him either. He has to receive blood transfusions weekly in order to stay alive while fighting cancer. Yes needles hurt, but only for a second. Your pain lasts one second, your discomfort lasts fifteen minutes, but theirs could last a lifetime. Making a small sacrifice like donating your blood could ease their pain and discomfort and even possibly heal them. Maybe it's just me, but I think a life is worth a whole lot more than being uncomfortable for a little while.

I understand that not everyone truly gets the importance of donating. Most people don't realize that it is blood donations that keep many patients alive. People don't fully comprehend this until it affects their own life. I've been donating blood since I was 16 because I love the idea saving lives by barely giving up anything, but now it's even more important to me. When my grandmother was first diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, I truly began to understand the significance of blood donations. Throughout the profession of the disease, she would go twice a week to the hospital for blood transfusions. Even though I know she was not getting my blood, she was getting someone's. Some random person decided to making a tiny sacrifice one day and was able to save my grandma's life for at least a little while.

Eventually she passed away from the horrible disease, but she was able to fight it for so long because of these everyday heroes. She was able to see one more birthday, to make it to one last Christmas Eve dinner, and to see one of her granddaughters get married. She was able to live almost a whole year longer because a few people decided to sacrifice an hour of their lives to save hers.

Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them of someone that they love until it does. And when that happens they too, will be eternally grateful for the minor sacrifice made by all those who donate blood. If you already donate blood or wish that you could but are not able to, I hope this article gives you some sort of validation for the amazing things you do. And if you do not donate and are physically able to (meaning you fit the very strict height, weight, and all over health requirements), I hope I have inspired you in some way to go donate, or that I have at least put the idea in your mind.