Wednesday, 11Aug10, Jacksonville, FL, The Blood Alliance
Blood Fact: “Apheresis is a special kind of donation that allows a donor to give specific blood components, such as platelets.”
Thanks to John for meeting me at Shula’s for dinner last night … we had a blast and some of the best Apple cobbler I’ve ever tasted … and … some ice cream with it. (Just a little bit)
This morning started at about 8:30 a.m. What a fun day for me! We started the day off by doing a radio spot with Melissa at WJCT. (Thanks Melissa for being a blood donor)
After that I had the opportunity to go to the Blood Connection (blood center) and meet with Dale(CEO), and many, many more of the staff!
It’s amazing to me that each blood center that I visit … has some of the most amazing staff I’ve ever met! Every blood center is different, yet their staff are among the top employees in the industry and they are so kind and considerate to their donors!
Think of it this way folks … only 5% in America are donors … yet, they are the top 5%, the 95th percentile and up!
The blood supply is now the safest it has ever been … because of the questionaire and the mandated safety tests … therefore if you have the occassion to need blood you are receiving blood from America’s true heroes … their top 5% of the donors.
It has been my honor to be able to meet such incredible individuals … who are selfless, compassionate, loving and willing to give up their time and their “gift of life” to a complete stranger if it is needed!
I am humbled at such charity, such love and such service!
I keep thinking how blessed I am … because of the generosity of 110 complete strangers who contributed to saving my life and the lives of my children, Amy, Adella and Amber. (who would not be here without the “gift of life” from such amazing donors!
Once again I am humbled by each donor I meet and each blood center’s staff … especially those in the “lab” … they are an essential link to the saving of lives!
I was lucky today because the drive to Gainesville was only a couple of hours … thank you, Meghan for calling to check in with me and make sure I was OK. I’m looking forward to spending time tomorrow in Gainesville at LifeSouth … with some old friends and making a lot of new friends! To my old friend, Perry M., I’m looking forward to seeing you again!
Talk to you tomorrow …