The blood drive started at 12:00 noon and went on till 6:00 pm. We had a pretty good turn out and Red Cross was able to meet their required blood donation quota for the day.
Red Cross had a high-tech bus that was set up in our campus' parking lot. It was really very high-tech inside but I didn't get to take a picture (it was a little busy inside and I didn't want to get in any one's way). But outside, they had a snack counter and chairs for people to sit and wait.
Here is a picture of the Career Services team. We were really glad that turn-out was good and that we were able to help Red Cross meet their quota.
I was really nervous to donate blood. But I volunteered to do it first of all because it is for a good cause. And second because I wanted to "pay back" all the blood that was donated to my dad when he needed it. Back then, we totally relied on the kindness of volunteers. I promised myself that when I get the chance I would donate blood in honor of my dad and everyone who gave blood to him. So even if I was scared (and really very nervous), I psyched myself up to just do it! (I had a long conversation with my dad while I was walking to the bus to donate and at one point, I honestly felt my dad was right there with me).
The process starts with signing up and showing your ID. Then you fill a 10-item computerized questionnaire about your health and general well-being. Then they weigh you, take your blood pressure and then you get poked in the finger with a needle. They take a sample of blood that is tested. It takes about 2 minutes.
In the end, it turns out I was not qualified to donate blood. My iron level was considered "low". The normal range is 12.1 to 15.1, but in order to donate one needs to be at a 12.5. I was a 12.2. So even if I was within the "normal range", I was low for the "donor range". They did take my contact information and I told them I would donate the next time they were in Torrance.
Even if I did not qualify to donate blood, I did get all the goodies. I got a Red Cross t-shirt, coupons for free Wahoo fish tacos, two tickets to The Laugh Factory (a comedy club in Hollywood), a chance to win a $500 gas card, and unlimited snacks and drinks.
The next time there is a blood drive in your area ... I would strongly encourage you to go and donate. It truly is an opportunity for you to help save lives.
7 comments:
Sorry that you did not qualify to be a donor - but its the thought that counts. Your dad would still be so proud of you and your intention. Over here, sometimes they offer whole pies - I might just be tempted.
wow dets! I know how you hate needles and all but it was really great that you had the courage to do the blood donation! I'm sure dad is so proud of you right now. I do remember all the kind and generous people who donated blood for him too before. It's a great way to give back!!!
Love your last pic with the all the goodies! Hope you win the gas card too! haha:)
so proud of you...the mere effort of donating =) it's so hard to get qualified...remember when we were looking for blood donors? we got a lot of volunteers but most of them did not qualify? =( but the fact that they tried to volunteer is so heartwarming =) so...yehey for your effort to donate =)
@Auntie Lillian: how great to get a whole pie after donating! That sounds like an awesome incentive =) hahaha
@Joy: yup, I was kinda scared. But I kept thinking of dad the whole time and I actually felt better. So when I found out I didn't qualify, I was actually a bit disappointed.
@Thanks Les. Hard nga to qualify but for some reason the regulations in the US are a bit more lax than Manila. Weird, no?
You may not have been able to go through the full cycle, just thought i'd let you know that upon stalking your blog last sunday-today, i was able to offer my first pint. For your Dad, for Chris for all those in need---I'd like to THANK YOU my dearest "kanggaroooe" for the added inspiration! lotsalove!
You may not have been able to go through the full cycle, just thought i'd let you know that upon stalking your blog last sunday-today, i was able to offer my first pint. For your Dad, for Chris for all those in need---I'd like to THANK YOU my dearest "kanggaroooe" for the added inspiration! lotsalove!
Hi Mel! Thanks for visiting my blog! It's been so long ... hope you and Chris are doing good ... miss our laugh trips and chismis! When are you coming down to visit? We should plan another San Diego zoo trip soon! =) Take care and stay in touch!
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