I squeeze the ball that fits snugly in my left hand every five to ten seconds.  I feel a twinge in my arm where the needle is inserted.  Resting on the Red Cross cot, I gaze out the window and reflect on my experience as a recipient of the gift of life.

I was 14 years old and had been diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) two years earlier.  After unsuccessful treatment, a new doctor recommended fusion surgery to halt the progression of the curvature of my back.  My parents knew this was the only option left for me and surgery was scheduled.

I was in surgery for five hours and received three pints of blood.

My brother, Doug and his friends; brothers, Eddie and Mike donated blood which was designated for me.

Back then I had a serious crush on Eddie and secretly hoped I received some of his blood, but I didn’t know if we had the same blood type.  43 years later, I still like to imagine there’s a bit of Eddie in me.

I understood the importance of being a donor, yet I didn’t make it a priority and donated sporadically.

A couple of years ago, I noticed my high school friend, Jay Nicholson donated regularly.  I read Jay’s Facebook posts and was impressed and inspired by his dedication.  He reminded me how critical the need for blood is and how spending less than an hour can make a difference.

“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.”

I wondered what motivated Jay, so I recently contacted him.

Question:  How long have you been donating?

Jay:  I started donating in high school.  I’m not sure why but maybe because I worked in the burn ward (at the local hospital) my senior year of high school.  Burn patients go through a lot of blood.

Question:  What motivates you to donate?

Jay: For a while, I gave blood to ensure my family had it if they ever needed it.  But, now it’s a habit.

Question:  How much blood have you donated?

Jay:  I’m over 19 gallons now.  I’m O-, so they like my blood.  I donate double red blood cells about every 16 weeks.  I do wish I could donate more often.

Jay has been donating since the 1970’s.  He typically does a power red donation, which is like a whole blood donation except a special machine is used to allow the donor to donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.

According to the American Red Cross, O- is the universal donor type, meaning those with this blood type can donate red blood cells to anyone.  Jay and I both have the O- blood type, which makes us popular with the blood banks.

“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a Generous donation.”

“One donation can potentially save up to three lives.”

Every time I donate, I think about my own experiences as a recipient and donor.  I’m grateful for my donors and thankful I’m able to give the gift of life and help someone else in need.

Source:  www.redcrossblood.org