The Importance of Donating Blood Essay -- Medical Health Essays

The Importance of Donating Blood The birth of Chase changed our lives forever. We were not sure if we were able to have children and after 5 years of trying with not avail, Chase was born. He was 5 lbs. and 8 oz. He was so tiny and fragile, but the love we had for our son was enormous. When Chase turned five months old, the doctors told us that he had leukemia. They said it would take a miracle for him to see his 1st birthday. We as parents did not know what to do or who to turn for to help and guide us in the right directions. Chase would undergo many surgeries and need many pints of blood. It is often that people do not understand why donating blood is important part of life. What if Chase was your 5-month-old son? We need blood for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia and other illnesses. Donating blood can save so many lives, one day it could save you or a loved one’s life. If all of us took the time to see the importance of blood donation than many people would have a greater will to give. Donating blood is a selfless act; it takes 30-45 minutes out of your day and can be a lifesaver for so many. Although we all would like to do are part, there are eligibility requirements in order to donate blood. To give blood you must be healthy, be at least 17-year’s old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. Some instances will make you ineligible to donate. Recently getting a tattoo or piercing, having a cold or flu, or having sexual relations with someone who has used drugs can make you ineligible. If you have been in a same sex relationship, you are not able to donate blood. In addition, certain place that you might have traveled... ...d that they got support they needed when it came time. There are many ways and places to donate. This is the time to join in and become a donor. Your one donation can save their lives. If it were not for the everyday heroes' that take time out of their busy day to give a piece of themselves, then many more people would not be here. Blood is one way of giving your support. Please help save a life and give what you can. Do not make excuses on why you cannot. Come up with reasons why you can. Even if you are ineligible to donate, you can always volunteer your services to help. Work Cited American Association of Blood Banks. 2004 http://www.aabb.org/index.htm American Red Cross Organization. 2003 http://www.redcross.org/home/ Plasma Care. 2003 http://www.plasmacare.com/ Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. 2004 http://www.seattlecca.org/