How has blood donation chaged your life?

Giving blood has changed my life by allowing me to feel that I am making a difference in the world. I found out after my first donation that I was O negative and since then I’ve never stopped giving. I give out of the love that I feel in my heart for those who are battling to stay alive, those who could live to see another day if only my blood or someone else’s reaches them. Many people wish to only give if there is money involved, but I feel that people should give out of the kindness of their hearts. Each and every day there is someone on this Earth who needs a blood transfusion just to stay alive; a baby, a mother or even a fallen soldier. I give for them, so that they will be able to go home to their families and that they can live to see tomorrow. Giving blood is not a hobby for me, but it is a life decision. To save the life of another human being, instead of destroying it is a blessing in itself. The world around us is continuously blinded by the hatred that they feel for another race, another sexuality and even others who are higher up on the professional ladder than them that they forget that we all have blood pumping through our veins and in any instant we could die. That moment that we are still conscious could be the moment that someone else’s blood could save us, the moment our pure hatred for others goes away because now someone is needed to save our lives and the moment we see how important each person on this Earth really is.

I have given blood to both the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the American Red Cross. Each time I sit in that chair and I begin to watch the blood flow from my arm, I only hope that whoever is getting my blood donation lives to see another day. I hope one day I can meet the people who my blood donation goes to just to see how it has affected them. I want to know that they are healthier because of it, that they can open their eyes to see their children or family once again and that they are happy. I want to see the blessing that I can bestow upon another so that if the day ever comes and I need that blessing to be bestowed upon me, that some willing participant will bless me. It is not just giving blood, it is saving lives. You do not have to be a doctor or a nurse to save a life, all you have to do is give blood. Each time I give, I feel as if I grow into a better person than the person I was yesterday. I live a carefree life and I want others to also have that opportunity. Giving blood gives a whole new meaning to my life and I can only hope that one day it will touch others, so that they may also give.