I am a sixteen year old, junior in high school. I attend Leflore high School, and also Kiamichi Technology Center. I have donated blood twice. The first time I gave blood I was terrified. I had no clue what was going to happen. People told me there was a chance of me getting sick, dying, or fainting even. I was told so many scary stories by people, so I was nervous.
The first time I gave blood I found out my blood type. I am O- negative. I am also known as a universal donor. I am one of the only nine percent of the people in the world that have this blood type.
Knowing that I had the chance to save many people’s lives, made me want to donate. That day I gave blood was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Everything went smoothly, there were no problems or complications when I gave blood. I really didn’t even feel anything, and I felt great inside knowing my blood could possibly save a life.
The nurse told me I could give blood again in three months. I was very excited! I knew I was for sure going to give blood again as soon as I could. When my three months were up, our school just happened to be having a blood drive. I was thrilled! I signed up as quickly as I could. The day came. It was March 28, 2016. I had the ACT that morning, and I could barely sit still through it. I was, excited for twelve – thirty to arrive, so that I could give blood.
After my test was over I went to lunch. I ate really fast, so that I wasn’t late to give blood. When I got in to give blood, there was no one else! I signed my name and started my questions and vitals with the nurse. While the nurse was taking my vitals, she got shocked from what she discovered.
She told me that not only am I O- negative, I am CMV- negative, also known as a baby donor. I asked the nurse what that meant, and she explained that I can save babies lives by donating my blood. She asked me if I had plenty of time today. I of course said “yes.” She then asked me if I would like to “do the machine.” I had no clue what that was, but agreed.
She tested my iron level, it had to be at least a 40 to do the machine. I lucked out that day. Mine was a 41. I got beyond excited! I was going to get to do the machine, which I still had no clue what that meant.
The nurse set me up, and started the process. It was so cool to watch my plasma and red blood cells separate. After the bags got filled, I watched my plasma go back through my tubes, and I felt it go up my arm. It was a cooling sensation. My mouth got this weird taste, and my lips were numb. The phlebotomist said it was perfectly normal.
After we finished the long process, the phlebotomist told me I could donate again in July. I gladly plan to donate again. He said “that is amazing, thank you for your support.” When he said that to me I just knew I was doing the right thing.
A few weeks later I got this email from the blood institute saying my blood went to a 7 year old with leukemia. That made my day, I was so happy to hear that. It made me more excited about giving blood again.
I have a friend that her baby cousin is also O- negative and he is in desperate need of a blood transfusion. I told her I would gladly donate again for him to have a chance of getting the blood he needs. Weather it’s mine he gets or someone else’s I told her I would still try for his sake.
For me to know that babies could be saved from my blood is wonderful. Also, knowing that I don’t have to donate, yet I do donate is a wonderful feeling for me. I just love knowing I can help save lives.
It makes me so happy I can be of help in this world by donating my rare blood. Since I have started donating it has completely changed my life forever. I plan to donate every chance I get.