Wednesday, 18Aug10, Mobile, AL
Blood fact: “The average whole blood and red blood cell transfusion is: 2.7 pints.”
Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe how lucky I am … yet … each day as I drive to a new blood center like the one I visited today at: LifeSouth, Mobile, Alabama (Coastal Alabama) the largest provider of blood products in the state of Alabama.
It was just like getting a “2nd chance” at life … all over again. These donors are so “selfless” and the blood center “staff” are some of the most giving, compassionate human beings that I’ve met … (yes, I know I keep repeating myself on a daily basis … yet, it’s true)
Even though they are in different locales, with different donors, and different staff … it’s the same “selfless” theme that is always there… once they find out that I’m a “blood recipient” and I’m there to “thank them” for being a vital “link” in the chain of the “gift of life” from donors to recipients!
Today had some special treats of southern hospitality … Keith, Lacy, and Angie took me out to lunch … after our visit to the local TV station … where I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Varion Ward, the news anchor on channel 15 News, www.local15TV.com, (about promoting blood awareness in their local community.)
And then later I had the opportunity to visit with many of their staff in components, distribution, donor services, and admin.
Plus I had a nice surprise when Scott Christmas (another Five Points of Life cyclist and another recipient) drove from Pensacola to Mobile to surprise me! Scott … thank you so much for being there … you have an amazing story of life and … a beautiful 4 year old daughter, what a lucky man!
Another delightful surprise was the gift from Keith … a LifeSouth “Blood Drop” tie … (Keith, I will wear it honorably … and … think of LifeSouth’s hospitality, each time I put it on!)
Angela and Lacy … I will be looking forward to hearing from you on 5Oct10 … (possible radio interview by phone)
For those of you reading this post … and … you are unable to donate blood because of “medical reasons” … there is a couple of ways you can contribute: encourage your healthy friends and family to give blood … or … give a financial donation to Foundation of American Blood Centers or your local blood center. (there are “links” on the LAA home page to help you make a financial donation!)
Soon after uploading the LifeSouth pix to Facebook … I then drove 100 miles to Hattiesburg, MS, and I’m now looking forward to tomorrow and another exciting day at the UBS Hattiesburg, MS, blood center.
Talk to you later … (to Gail and my family … I miss your smiling faces!)