Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The how or why does not matter, but the person getting it does. Those people that need it can only get it in one way. Blood donation. It saves so many lives in only a day.
About four years ago, my mother told me to put on my shoes, keep them on, and be ready to leave if her phone rang. My aunt was in the hospital giving birth to her second child, a beautiful daughter. She didn't really tell me why, she just told my sister and I that something had gone wrong during birth and there was a chance that she could die. During her c-section, something went wrong. Long story short, the placenta had grown too deep into her uterine wall and the doctor couldn't get it all out. Because there were still "pieces" of placenta attached, her body continued to send blood, even though she didn't need it. In the 18-20 hours after the birth of her daughter, she had had 23 blood transfusions. She was losing so much in such a little time. To put into perspective just how much blood she needed, just know that the average adult has only 10 pints of blood in their body. My aunt was losing her blood just as quick as she was getting it.
23 people decided to take time and donate a pint of their blood, and because they did, my aunt's life was saved. Without those 23 donors, she wouldn't have been able to watch her daughter take her first steps, say her first words, or see her off to her first day of preschool. She would have missed out on her life just as it began, but she was given a second chance at life and to give her daughter, and family, the love that she has.
When my aunt was saved by those generous people, she made a decision to give back every pint of blood that was given to her. She even invited all of her friends to donate at the same time and place as her. My mom even started going, and when I turned 16, I started going too.
I know, blood donation seems a little scary. There's a stranger putting a needle in your arm and taking something out of your body. I was terrified the first time I went in. I wanted to cry the entire time and scream at them to take the needle out of my arm. But blood donation is completely safe and it really isn't as bad as it seems. I thought it would be super painful and just a horrifying experience, but I was wrong. Everything is super relaxed and VERY clean. I had an opinion of donating blood before I had even done it. I even told myself that I would never do it because I hate needles. It's okay though.
If you're thinking about donating and are curious about the process, you can read and learn about it by clicking here. Michigan Blood is where I go to donate with my aunt and my mom. The people are so kind and gracious, and the place is clean. Plus, the cookies and juice offered after your donation are bomb. To find a place near you that does blood donation, click here. If there's no place near you that regularly takes blood donations, you can find blood drives by clicking on this link. Please consider giving blood. The blood you give could save a person's life.
