The Gift and Saving of Life

I got my three gallon pin today - would have been more if they would have taken my blood these past 12 years. Thinking about it, I remember that weekday back in 1976 when a coworker challenged me to give blood at the annual blood drive at work. I tried to blow him off but he would not relent. So I begrudgingly gave a unit of blood that week and for some reason I continued to give.

Now don't get me wrong - giving blood is not fun.. they do stick a needle in your arm. But giving blood is one of the most rewarding things that a person can do. I suggest that you Google your neighborhood blood bank and just walk in. It will help your community and will bless you as well. Just consider these images from the KC blood bank. People need your help - they need your blood.

And if you need a bit of inspiration consider this story..

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liz."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood.