Strength
When disaster strikes, the way it has recently in Haiti, people wonder what they can do to help.
Watching footage of people being pulled from rubble from the comfort of our living rooms can make us feel powerless, especially in our current economy, when many people can't donate much to relief funds.
But there is something most people can do, and it doesn't cost a dime.
Give Blood.
Give it now, in the midst of major catastrophe, and give it later, when time has brought about complacency. Give it for the heroes, for the needy, for the woman behind you on line at Starbucks.
I am that woman.
This is my family in crisis. My family that would be incomplete, were it not for blood donors.
Here you see a phenomenally strong and able-bodied man, gently cradling his newborn daughter and holding his wife's hand as medical professionals try to force her uterus to stop bleeding. He is the epitome of strength, and yet he is powerless to save the woman he loves.
My husband, one of the strongest people I have ever known, held my hand. He helped me through the pain, he kept me from fading away.
But it was blood donors (with the help of a fabulous midwife and countless doctors, nurses, and EMTs) who saved my life. I hemorrhaged severely three times after giving birth to Blythe. During the second and third hemorrhages, which occurred in less than 24 hours, I lost seven pints of blood.
My body only holds approximately eight pints of blood.
I am alive today because eight random strangers took the time to give their blood and plasma.
Giving blood saves lives. It saves lives in times of worldwide tragedy, and it saves lives every single day, for people whose stories will never make it onto the 5 o'clock news.
So, give. Give now and give often. Go to www.redcrossblood.org, or www.BloodSource.org to find out where, how, and, if I haven't yet convinced you, why.
You never know when you will be the one in need.
*you can't see it very well in this photo, but jeremy just so happens to be wearing his "Don't Be Chicken: Give Blood!" t-shirt (from bloodsource) in this photo. coincidence? i don't think so.*
Watching footage of people being pulled from rubble from the comfort of our living rooms can make us feel powerless, especially in our current economy, when many people can't donate much to relief funds.
But there is something most people can do, and it doesn't cost a dime.
Give Blood.
Give it now, in the midst of major catastrophe, and give it later, when time has brought about complacency. Give it for the heroes, for the needy, for the woman behind you on line at Starbucks.
I am that woman.
This is my family in crisis. My family that would be incomplete, were it not for blood donors.
Here you see a phenomenally strong and able-bodied man, gently cradling his newborn daughter and holding his wife's hand as medical professionals try to force her uterus to stop bleeding. He is the epitome of strength, and yet he is powerless to save the woman he loves.
My husband, one of the strongest people I have ever known, held my hand. He helped me through the pain, he kept me from fading away.
But it was blood donors (with the help of a fabulous midwife and countless doctors, nurses, and EMTs) who saved my life. I hemorrhaged severely three times after giving birth to Blythe. During the second and third hemorrhages, which occurred in less than 24 hours, I lost seven pints of blood.
My body only holds approximately eight pints of blood.
I am alive today because eight random strangers took the time to give their blood and plasma.
Giving blood saves lives. It saves lives in times of worldwide tragedy, and it saves lives every single day, for people whose stories will never make it onto the 5 o'clock news.
So, give. Give now and give often. Go to www.redcrossblood.org, or www.BloodSource.org to find out where, how, and, if I haven't yet convinced you, why.
You never know when you will be the one in need.
*you can't see it very well in this photo, but jeremy just so happens to be wearing his "Don't Be Chicken: Give Blood!" t-shirt (from bloodsource) in this photo. coincidence? i don't think so.*
Posted by Andrea Edwards at 1/22/2010 12:57 PM 
Categories: Health and Nutrition,Motherhood and Pregnancy,Life in general
Categories: Health and Nutrition,Motherhood and Pregnancy,Life in general
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2/16/2010 4:10 PM
The Sweet Life wrote:
I'm having issues with some of my lady parts.I have a large cyst on my left ovary, which, in and of itself is not really a big deal. Cysts happen, sometimes they burst, it hurts like hell (currently still sore but manageable), and then you get on with your life.The cyst is the reason I spent the majority of last Friday in a hospital gown, being poked and prodded by various medical instruments. *As an aside, I'd like to thank MerlotMom for the TP warning, and the universe as a ...
I am more amazed by you every time I read your words. I'm so glad I have the honor of calling you my friend.
Thanks for this basic, but necessary reminder.
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what a powerful post. I stumbled it for you with hopes that we can get the word out. And because of you, I will donate blood next week.
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You are amazing, as is that picture. My own experiences ans stories like your are why I'm working towards a nursing career. Please don't ever stop writing. I hope someday you post your birth videos as well.
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oh sweetheart.... your strength leaves me breathless.
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You make a great point. Blood is something that is always needed too. Crisis or no.
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Wow, I hope this story inspires more people to give blood. I too benefited from the acts of strangers when I hemorrhaged about a week after Maya was born. I lost a lot of blood and needed a transfusion after the surgery to repair the damage. I am so grateful to those who give blood, it truly does save lives, everyday.
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Found you via Nic's tweet.
Thanks for telling your story. I am a universal donor and will be giving blood with you in mind.
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Just stumbled this one. Wow. I'm just amazed. Beautiful post.
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I want to echo the sentiments, yes give blood, I do it and trust me it's easy, you get cookies - but I can't really concentrate because your husband?
HUNKALICIOUS!!!!
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What a powerful post and a powerful picture!
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Wow. That is amazing. And even more amazing is that I was just recently considering giving blood...and then I read this. Thank you.
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Wow. Fabulous reminder. I'll make sure to donate soon - I had 2 pints given to me after the surgery to repair my femur, years ago.
Your story is amazing. Wow. *hugs*
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Good call. It's so very very important, an easy thing to do which can make such a difference.
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Wow, thanks for sharing your story. I am a blood donor and give consistently every year. I do it for those in need and because one day I may be the one in need.
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I'm finally catching up on my reader. I am NINE posts behind with you! Sheesh. I might not finish all tonight, but I will by tomorrow.
Having said that, I am TERRIFIED of needles. I have mentioned before in my own posts that I put off bloodwork (for years) while I was very very sick because I was so afraid. However, I would still donate blood. I need to check and see if I am eligible now. I wasn't for a while because I lived in another country during certain years where bad diseases were happening, and I wasn't allowed. Maybe I can now. Because you're right, fears be damned when you can save a life. Especially after I just wrote my own post on the importance of helping others!
And BTW - You're husband ROOOCKS! You should convince him to actually.. you know.. tweet with that account of his.
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How right you are. I'm ashamed to admit, I've never donated blood. I'm not afraid of needles. I don't have a medical condition that prevents it. I'm just lazy, which really means I'm just selfish. Instead of telling you that I hope your post inspires people like me to someday donate, I'm happy to report that it actually has. I just logged onto bloodsource.org and scheduled a donation appointment for Friday. So, thanks. And I'm pretty sure whoever ends up with my blood thanks you to. Way to make a difference, my friend.
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No one has called for blood donors by us yet, but it's a great idea. Thanks for the reminder.
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