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02 September 2005

GIVE!

As ya'll well know, I was born and raised in the South and have lived through my fair share of hurricanes. What's happening along the Gulf Coast is mind boggling, terrifying, and heart breaking. I've spent hours glued to the TV getting as much information as I can. Every few hours it gets to be too much and I have to take a break and focus on my life. It's a delicate balance between living normally and staying aware of what's happening. I refuse to be apathetic. I find myself sitting in front of my TV with my hands over my mouth and tears running down my face. That could have been me a hundred times over. It could very easily be my family. I instinctively want to lend a hand, but find my life obligations keep me from volunteering or from giving in the way I want to. There is a solution though. Giving blood. The news media hasn't really focused on this ever present need because things are still in the search & rescue and basic needs phases. Blood is a need and will always be a need. As people begin to get the medical treatment they need, the blood supply will get low, like it always does in times of crisis. This is where poor college students can help. Giving blood is the truest way to give of yourself and it doesn't cost a dime. If you go to http://www.redcross.org/ you can find your local chapter of the Red Cross and look for blood drives in your area. You can even set up an appointment online to donate. I'm donating on Monday, September 12th. I don't care if you're squeamish, donate anyway.

7 comments:

Em said...

but i'm afraid of needles and the last time i donated blood i passed out twice. i can get an excuse note... bishop freestone will sign anything i ask...

but maybe i'll do it. maybe.

Leah said...

I used to drag my brother Nate with me. He hates blood and needles and gets sick just thinking about them, but he was a trooper. Do what you can.

Nama said...

as long as there isn't some pretend-don't-have-a-degree-never-worked-with-a-needle nurse poking me 20 times to find my vein, i'm with it!

Em said...

i have an appointment on sept 13th. that was the earliest they had. anyone wanna come with me? i'm scared.

Ann-Marie said...

i'm not big enough to donate blood, but i did make a donation to the american red cross!

Nama said...

I'm coming with you, em! we can do this together!!

Kirsten said...

I may have shared this before, but I am extremly bitter about the whole mad cow disease thing b/c It keeps people who have lived in europe longer than 6th months from giving blood. and I feel I am one of the few people who really don't mind it.

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