Friday, January 04, 2008

I Donate Blood - Will You? CONTEST!

BY POPULAR DEMAND!
CONTEST EXTENDED

THROUGH VALENTINE'S DAY!

AND PRIZE MONEY HAS BEEN DOUBLED!

MATCHED BY GENEROUS BLOGGER!




I used to give blood all of the time when the kids were little and even had an article published years ago about how much I enjoyed it and how I likened it to going on a mini-vacation, because back then, hiding in the bathroom without being disturbed for five minutes was a luxury! So you can imagine what I wrote about getting out of the house for a full two hours and being in a place where I got to lie down, have adult conversation, have nice ladies pamper me, offer me drinks and snacks, and ask me if I was feeling OK. That, to me, was pure heaven back in those early days of motherhood.

Anyway, I stopped giving blood when the last time I went and the tattoo question came up and I realized I couldn’t donate for fear I was infected by tainted ink! Me, infected by tainted needles! Harumphf! It’s been three-and-a-half years since I got my tattoo. Many a lives could have been saved during that time, and really, had I known a tattoo would have halted my blood-donating streak, I might have thought twice about branding myself, all for the sake of thinking I was cool and hip. Ha, who knew?

Today, I had my own brood of kids, and three neighbor kids with me and we had lunch and then we ran a couple errands and for some reason, out of the New Year freaking Blue, I said, “Hey, do you guys want to watch me give blood?”

Shouts from the back seat:

“Ewwww! NO!”

“COOL!”

“HECK Yeah!”

“Gross!”

“Like a vampire?”

Some of the kids, like Diva, were into it; some, (AJers) not so much. I coaxed the Nays into the Yay side, by explaining that in giving blood, I would be saving a life, possibly even a couple of lives.

“See guys, someone might get into an accident, tonight even, and they might be in the hospital, and let’s say there’s this 911 call, like ‘911! THERE’S BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND WE NEED SOME BLOOD STAT!’ and then they’d grab my bag of blood and pump it into the person’s body and Pow! I’d save a life! Come on, how cool would THAT be?”

Soon the No team sided with the Yays because of my explanation (and the promise of After-Blood-Donating Ice Cream Cones).

I shuttled all six kids into the Blood Center and had it been in the ‘70s, the staff probably would have thought I was a down-on-her-luck single mom looking to get paid for any bodily fluids I could sell. Nope - I was just feeling giving at that particular moment.

When we walked through the doors, I was thrilled to see there was a kiddy section and ordered the kids to sit down.

“Do you take blood donations here?”

“Yep,” she said.

“All right kids. Roll up your sleeves! Lady, get out your needles!”

Six sets of eyes bulged out. Ha, these are the joyous moments of parenting I live for!

The lady then asked for my driver’s license. I threw her my credit card.

She looked at me funny. “We don’t take credit cards. I need your license.”

“Whoops! I’ve been whipping that card out so much the past few months, it just seemed natural to give that to you!”

She took my info, I answered the questions, and then I went into the little top-secret room with her so I could have the physical part done. It’s good they take you into that private room cuz that’s where they ask you how much ya weigh. Diva and her friend blew kisses at me and said, “Good luck! We’ll miss you! Hope it doesn’t hurt too much!”

“I’m not getting the needle now!”

I am telling you, if you ever want to be treated kindly, go give blood.

You will feel like a ROCK STAR! A SUPER STAR! Angelina Jolie! Britney Spears on her come-back night… wait… scratch that. Nobody wants to feel like Britney!

However, the Blood People say the NICEST things to you when you go in to freely donate your blood; the blood that your body makes for you for FREE every day of your life. The blood that you don’t ever have to ask for. The blood that is JUST there for you. Every day. For you. Just because you are healthy, and it is there. For the making.

You give blood, and it remakes itself right back up in your body. It doesn’t hurt! The puny little needle DOES NOT HURT! You don’t even have to look at it! You get snacks afterward! You get to lie on a semi-comfy, cushy, couchy-bed thing. They had movies there, and music, and soda, and cookies, and chips (which, of course, I chose to eat the low-fat cookies because of Weight Watchers, and which, I will also note, not ONE, but TWO of my ‘so-called’ friends commented that I was going to pretty desperate measures to lose weight before my weigh-in tomorrow morning by trying to get rid of a pint of blood!).

The nurse lady who was in charge of taking care of me was THE nicest lady I have ever met. I seriously wanted to take her home and ask her to be my own personal caregiver, but also have her as my friend. Everything she said was just perfect. You would think I was in a “Blood Bank Bar” and she was using all her “Blood Bank Pick-Up Lines” on me, like she sooo wanted to land me in the Proverbial Blood Bank Bed for a One-Night Stand. And let me tell you, the things she was saying to me, she had me wrapped! I fell in love with her and her charm!

You have gorgeous iron numbers for a woman. Most women have 12.3, and you’re at 13.5. That’s really great.

You’ve got a beautiful pulse rate!

You’ve got the blood pressure of an athlete. Seriously, most athletes don’t have blood pressure this good.

Look at these numbers: your iron, your pulse, your blood pressure – just wonderful!

I wish everyone had a vein like this one. You’ve got a perfect vein. I have a feeling you’re going to flow very well.

Your bag is filling so nicely. This won’t take long at all.


I was seriously blushing at these compliments. Like, what do I say to that? “Well, I did do yoga this morning.” Or, “I’ve been working on my veins a bit lately. Gotta keep them in shape, cuz they’re always working for ya!” But really how do you NOT love someone who is THAT nice to you? And how can you NOT promise to come back in eight weeks to be treated like that again?

So, I gave blood, the kids got a little lesson in it, they know I saved somebody’s life, and hey, the nice lady gave EVERY KID snacks afterward! They had a field day with it! I’m telling you, it was like going on an educational but fun field trip complete with snacks and giveaways because they all got calendars and “Future Blood Donor” stickers too. And this experience is going to teach them not to be scared about donating in the future, and they’ll see that I’ve done it, and it’s no big deal, and when they are old enough (16) to donate blood, it’ll seem like a natural thing to do, and I won’t let them get their driver’s licenses until they promise me they will donate blood every eight weeks so they’ll just have to do it! So there!

Going today to give blood was kind of surreal, like the Blood Center just had beckoned to me at that moment. I drive past that center countless times during the week, and 99 percent of those countless times, I am usually without six kids, so what drew me to the center today? I wonder if I was really pulled there today for some specific reason? I’d like to think so. You can bet I’m going back in eight weeks, and you know what? You should consider giving blood too.

In fact, what do you think of the first 2008 Manic Mommy contest where everyone who gives blood during the month of January and can prove it with a photo* will be entered to win a cash prize?

Here’s the kicker: the cash prize is as large as the number of participants. For every one person who gives blood, I will put in $1 of my very own money. Then, on January 31, 2008, I’ll do a random drawing and however many of you readers participate is however much money the prize will be.

And, it just so happens to be National Blood Donor Month, so what a perfect opportunity to save someone’s life? Start the New Year off right! By doing something to help others!

Spread the word, give some blood, take a break, and grab a snack after you donate, and you could also win a cash prize** from Manic Mommy! Details below, and they are subject to change during the course of the month because I haven’t really thought this out completely, but I think it’s a great cause, and I hope this motivates some of you to do this, because it’s a no-brainer, prize or no prize.

Blogging friends, the only way this will work is if you’ll be kind enough to share the link to this post with your readers in order to up the anty to make this offer a worthwhile prize for those who are willing to invest their time, energy and BLOOD (but no sweat and tears, I promise!) into this awesome, awesome Manic Cause!

And if you do post about this on your blog, as I know some of you have already kindly done so, could you please email me at manicmommy@comcast.net and share the link with me. I'd like to keep track of those who are helping spread the word and maybe somehow find a way to repay you as well!

DISCLAIMERS and YADA-YADAs:

*Photos submitted may be published on Manic Mommy, and a photo is required to qualify for the contest (of you either holding your blood donor card at the blood center – or of it showing the date you donated, or of you in the chair actually donating).

Photo should be emailed to manicmommy@comcast.net.

Include your full name, city, state, and email address.

**Cash prize can not exceed a three-digit amount (predetermined by Manic Mommy if there is an overwhelming response to the contest) and the first number of that three digit number cannot exceed a 2, because, please keep in mind that Manic Mommy is NOT “Manic-Made-Outta-Money” and this is coming straight out of her own “We Just Blew Through Christmas” pocket.***

***Unless, of course, there are some anonymous rich charitable donors out there who will not only donate blood, but also want to shell out a few bucks to support this awesome cause to save lives? One blood drop at a time? Maybe someone out there wants to match my offer? And in return, of course, Manic Mommy will pimp your company.****

****Of course, Manic Mommy has to be a proponent of your company, has to like your product, use your product, or at least know of your product in order to pimp your product, and it has to be a product relatable to mommies or manics, obviously.

Questions? Leave ‘em for me in the comments.

Ready to donate? Go here:

To learn more blood donation opportunities, visit www.givelife.org or
call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

86 comments:

AutoSysGene said...

Ironically, I was in a chair having blood drawn today, too. Unfortunately, they were drawing it to do labs.

I'm one of the many that can't donate blood due to the meds I'm on and an autoimmune disease. I get turned down every time.

So when life hands you lemons you make lemonade, I donate my hair.

You did a great thing donating your blood today! Congrats, you helped save a life. I will be watching this closely to see how it turns out.

Anonymous said...

Two words - Lorna Doones.

I used to do it all the time in college because the blood mobile was always sitting there right on campus. And I've gotten away from it. And I've been looking to start donating again.

Thanks for the push Manic! Even without the fabulous cash prize!

Cecily R said...

I so wish I could participate!! I, however, am black listed from giving blood. Once I got a false positive for Hep C and even though I have proof that I don't and never did have it, the powers that be say I can no longer donate. Sigh.

That said, I think your contest idea is a GREAT GREAT one. :)

Irene said...

Good for you. I am ashamed to say, I have never given blood. I should. I will.

My husband is a die hard blood donor. He gives every chance he can. He was even turned away once because he was trying to give too often.

My second daughter (special needs) once needed a couple blood transfusions when she developed a bleeding ulcer. Her blood levels were so low. After that ordeal, I just so teary eyed thinking about how all the people who donate blood really saved her life.

Good post!!!

Dawn said...

What a great cause! Good for you for donating, Stephanie! (Especially with 6 kids in tow!) I love your idea! I'll blog about it this week. :)
Dawn

mamashine said...

I am in the same camp as Cecily, except it was hiv. You'd think they could do the tests properly for healthy people who want to donate. They say never again unless they come up with a new test- either they haven't, or they don't care to tell me.

But I think it's a great idea!

Moll said...

I think this is one of your best blog posts ever! I was riveted! You sound like the coolest mom ever - you freakin rock.

And, this blood drive is a great idea.

Kate said...

You just get cooler and cooler! I'm totally going to promote this on my blog to all of my 7 readers. Not that impressive, but 7 more lives saved, maybe?

I lived in the UK for too long at a certain time and they won't take my blood anymore. Ever. It sucks. Can I donate to your prize?

Anonymous said...

Excellent idea!! You rock as per usual!! I'll be promoting it on my blog

xxxx said...

You are awesome!

You're gonna kill me, but I am totally scared to give blood. Maybe I will get brave for my BBFF :)

I am Heather...creator of all things crafty! said...

I'm living proof that blood donation SAVE'S LIVES. If it hadn't been for the blood donors who donated last year I may not be here. Thank you. I wish I could repay the favor, but the med's I'm on will not allow me to donate blood.

Anonymous said...

I'm off to give blood on Thursday. I give everytime I can as I have a rare group and I would want it for me or mine if needed so think I should be prepared to donate for others. I'm also on the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrrow register and I carry a donor card as so far they haven't changed the law to make you carry a card if you DON'T want to donate your organs when you die. Wouldn't life be simpler if that were the case? I think so.

Anonymous said...

PS Also meant to say my mum used to take me to her donations and I grew up watching the blood drip drip drip into the bag - now it never occured to me not to give blood so GOLD STAR to you manic, you have just initiated a whole SIX new donors!

Anonymous said...

I am a new reader to your blog. I just love it! I am also a blood donor. I used to go every eight weeks but now that I have two kids it is harder to find the time. I did just give on December 23rd when the blood mobile was at my church. One more donation and I will be at 20 gallons!! Thanks for spreading the word!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

You guys!!! I am already completely WOWWED by the comments I've received here regarding this impromptu contest I decided to hold! Just WOW! And to hear the stories from some of you about how you already have donated, and how some of you want to but can't--THAT really sucks that there are some of those rules out there!

And to those bloggers out there who have said you will promote on your blog--THANK YOU! That's the only way to spread this news.

And if you really do want to contribute to the prize, that is awesome, and we'll figure out a way, how kind of you! I am hoping this will really help save a lot of lives and we can have fun with it along the way, and I promise I won't turn this blog into a preachy blood-giving thing, it'll still be fun.

And to Swishy--you can bet your sweet butt that next time you come here, YOU ARE GIVING BLOOD!!!! Who was with you the first bikini wax? Manic! Who was with you when you got your ears pierced? Manic! Who will be with you when you give blood? MANIC! I bet they won't let us youtube it though!

And CMOMMY!!! OMGosh--I tried to find your blog again by clicking the link but it didn't pop up, you cannot believe how much you affected me when you wrote you still go find my 'shelf-space' and say a little prayer for 40 Weeks... that is just amazing that you do that, and I am overwhelmed that you remember and still think of me.

You guys are so awesome!

And to the first person who submits their blood donating photo, I will send you a special little prize, not sure what it will be yet, but I'll do something extra!

THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING TO SPREAD THE WORD, FOR DONATING, FOR READING, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO MAKE MY DAYS BRIGHTER! Truly!

kay said...

i'm in!! great idea!!

Anonymous said...

Wish I could. I have a auto immune disease as well and I am not allowed to give. I gave a few times in college and also help to organize some blood drives. I will be there in spirit though. Great idea

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

What a fantastic post, Manic. Really. My hat's off to you. My veins are plumping up just thinking of this post. And I myst admit, I'm "A+" when it comes to blood. Yes, donate blood. A worthy and good idea. Thanks.

HappyBlogChick said...

It seems like every time I try to give blood I am turned down flat. Two attempts ago I'd been to one of the few areas of Costa Rica with malaria outbreaks. Last time it was my trip to Honduras. Malaria schmalaria I always say, but apparently the blood-folk don't have the same outlook.

Last time I tried was last May, though, so maybe enough time has passed by now. Unless trips to New Jersey disqualify me, I should be fine based on travel.

Not sure about my meds, but I will find out ...

Great challenge!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

So, Kay, Kim and HBC, I can count on you three?

HappyBlogChick said...

I just looked up my meds and they do not disqualify me. I'm in - I should be good to go to give in a week or two. I had a cold last week and I still have a nagging cough, but that should go away in time.

Hooray!

Vampires, here I come!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Yay Happy Blog Chic!!! Thanks!

Who else out there wanna visit the vamps?

Also, I have it under good info that other bloggers are coming forward and upping the anty on the prizes so stay tuned because this could get really big!

Roger Miller said...

I have enjoyed reading your blog (lurking, I believe it is called) for a while now, and find you to be an entertaining writer.

I would love to donate blood, however while I was in the Air Force, I was stationed in England between the years 1986-1988. Because of that, and something called "mad-cow disease" I am not allowed to donate blood here.

No, I am not a cow, may weigh as much as one, nor am I mad (relatively speaking)but the powers that be state that if I lived in England during that time, I am on the no-no to blood donating list. Which really sucks, because I used to be a regular donor.

Anyway, longer comment than I meant to leave (sorry),I will promote this on my blog - who knows, someone may even read it.

I would love to help donate to the prize fund, if you will let me. Just email me and give me the details, can't promise you three digits, but I can handle two. :-)

God Bless!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

mylhibug!!! THanks for delurking, and what a gorgeous family you have! ANd also, thanks for wanting to participate in donating toward a prize. I am simply overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone here! If you want to, please email me at manicmommy@comcast.net and we can figure something out!! (I tried to find your email on your blog, but couldn't locate.)

Thank you SOOO much, from the bottom of my one-pint-less vein!!!

: )

Jennette Fulda said...

Back when I was really fat, nurses could never find my veins under the fat. One of the bad things about losing lots of weight was that I lost my best excuse not to give blood! They can easily find my veins now. I freak out around needles. I can't even look when they vaccinate me for the flu. But this is a great cause, so I'm going to mention it on my blog even if I don't do it myself.

TTQ said...

Thank you for donating blood! I have had many transfusions thanks to people like you. Hopefully you are an organ donor too! I'm on the list for a new organ.

Obviously I can't give blood(because of meds and transfusions), except for lab work Tthe transplant center took 24 vials last time I was there! Ugh!

B. said...

I always give when I can too. I gave in May right before I got pregnant, but of course I can't now since they don't let those of us with another human inside of us give blood. I actually just got a call from the local blood center a few weeks ago asking me to give since I am the universal donor blood type. My school always has one in May and since the baby will be out by then, you can count on me to give! Too bad I can't be in the January contest. :(

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

PastaQueen--thank you for stopping by, and so nice of you to offer to post on your blog about this!!! I cannot wait for your book to come out! Everyone, get PastQueen's memoir about how she lost half of herself!!! You'll be amazed, and I will be sure to let you all know when it debuts in the spring on the blog!

TTQ--I'm glad you have been helped with OPB... Other People's Blood! LOL! I think it's great that we can share stories here so readers can realize how giving blood truly does help save lives!

B--You're off the hook! You gotta concentrate on keeping that baby cooking in there, and I know you'll be back in that blood-givin'-chair after your cutie-patootie arrives!

To all of you out there--If you do promote the contest on the blog, please drop me an email at manicmommy@comcast.net with the link to the post so I can keep track! Thanks!

zolafan said...

Hi - I'm one of Kate's seven readers, followed a link over from her blog. I just passed the 4 gallon mark in '07. Gave just before Christmas, won't be able to give again til Feb., so not eligible for your contest. Just wanted to post a note of support for getting the word out.

onthegomom said...

WOW, great contest. I have never given blood, I am so scared of needles. I have to talk myself into it being okay and lay down when I get my FLU SHOT! I promise, I will try to work up the nerve to give blood.

Besides never giving blood, I am an organ donor and my daughter has donated TWICE to the Locks of Love. So, I have tried to do my small part :)

All that's left is donating blood (do they have needleless donations available?!?)!!

Steve H said...

great idea, but recent ink will keep me from it... (but i did give blood just prior to my most recent 'branding' to make up for it!)

Dev said...

I just donated in December, so I can't again until February (every 6 weeks). Good for you for rallying on this ~ I wish more people donated.

BS said...

I am a regular blood donor and will definitely post to spread the word (and link to your site). I was eligible on Christmas day and haven't found a blood drive close to my home yet (for January - the donor center isn't always conveinent with my schedule) but when I do - I will - and will link back to you.

ThursdayNext said...

The University I work at does a blood drive each semester for students, staff, and faculty alike and we do a great job...great post; thank you for making everyone aware!

Stephanie J. Blake said...

Oh Manic Mom, this is the coolest.

I can't donate blood because my Grandma died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

I won't say that I am also under the weight limit.

I also got a tattoo about 9 months ago.

But, YOU GO GIRL!

Here are the Donor Eligibility Req.

http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html

The (Mis)Adventures of a Single City Chick said...

I remember the very first time I donated blood for a blood drive was in college on a Halloween. So, it was quite fitting...not to mention rather disturbing...that a "vampire" was drawing the blood. Ha! Since then, I've been an avid blood donor over the years and am even registered as a bone marrow donor. However, for the last year, I've been undergoing treatment for extremely low iron. It's slowly rising, although they still don't know why the numbers got so low. That said, I'm still on temporary hold from donating until at least my next followup appointment next month. Would love to still donate, but my doc told me I need my blood more right now. :-( But for sure, I'll be getting back to donating as soon as I get the green light! :-)

Christina

Moll said...

Hi Manic, I just linked your contest to my site. Now, I have to figure out if I am eligible and where to go to donate blood around here.

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

Manic, yes, assuming I weigh enough. There's a minimum for adults. HAHAHAHA!!! Just said that to make you fall off your chair. I clear the bar by a skosh (not from upper Midwest, do not know how to spell that.)

Rolling up my sleeves this week. Promise.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Kim, what's a SKOSK? I'm in the midwest and I don't even know what that is!!

And I'm a dork. It shows me who is linking to this post down below, sooo cool!

So everyone, start donating and send those pics in. I even did a press release and sent out to my local papers regarding this. The title of the release: Local Blogger Bleeds for Cause....

Hope you're all good on your word! : ) I think you are!

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

A skosh, it's a Minnesota/N. Dakota word I think meaning, a pinch, a bit, a smidgen.

Smart idea with the press release. Work it, Manic!

:)

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Kim--we have a family made up word that's similar to that definition--it's called a 'titch'... hahaha!

And regarding the press release--I am just waiting for the phone to ring off the hook tomorrow a.m.! We'll see... again... hahah.

Suburban Correspondent said...

Cool idea! Sure beats the oral surgery approach to getting a little "me time." And now that I am (finally) not pregnant or nursing, I really should think about blood donation again. That weigh-in benefit isn't bad, either.

I'll mention this contest on my blog.

Anonymous said...

Manic,
Would love to do this, but I'm under the weight... just kidding. (And if I could've figured out those comments on BECAUSE I SAID SO's blog on how to strike that little joke, I would have.)
Anyway, Mom of 4, in the > 39 category, and anemic. I gave blood a few times before kids and would still like to. But first I need enough blood for me so I can stay awake during the day.
Anyway, love the idea. I'll keep watching.
KR

Amy said...

I just donated in Dec...I should be good to go again before the end of Jan.! BTW...I've got "marvelous veins". Nice and thick-n-juicy.

You want even more pampering? Donate platelets! Last time as was at my Red Cross center, I asked what some other people there were doing. They were there kicking back, with a computer/dvd in front of them! So I received info about donating your platelets, and it takes 2 hours to do. You can find out more info here.

Crazymamaof6 said...

i'm afraid i am out, I'll research my limits after radioactive cancer treatment BUT i did give a shout out on my blog! you rock ! can't wait to hear how it goes!

March2theSea said...

i have never given blood..i really should.

Anonymous said...

I love giving blood. Its a rush! You help people and get a cool, dizzy buzz.

It doesn't really hurt, either. You can't feel the needle, just a bit of a sting from the iodine. Its not bad.

Unfortunately, being a donating addict means I just gave last month and can't again 'til Feb. 20th.

Tanya said...

Hmm.. I guess I should find a donation site. I'm going to link on my blog, too. I have a good story about visiting the vampires and getting treated very very nicely.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What a great idea and a fun teaching moment for you and the kiddos. I'm a big needle chicken myself.

morninglight mama said...

Is it not recommended to donate blood if you're breastfeeding? (not sure there'd be a conflict...) This is an awesome challenge!

Barb said...

I'm off to find a place to donate. Your blog has inspired me to give after waaay too many years of not donating. Thanks. Will post a pic on my blog too with a link to yours.

Anonymous said...

You gotta love friends who tell it like it is....
giving blood to lose a pound or two.

I used to be accused of waiting until weigh in day to shave my pitts and legs because that was an instant lost of a few pounds.
I mean ....... really!

Unknown said...

Great way to involve Moms! I started donating last summer after a co-worker talked me into going with her on a lunch hour. We work on a University campus and they have a blood drive here somewhere weekly it seems.

I was always turned down in college, but low and behold...30 lbs and 3 kids later, my iron levels and veins have changed and they can get a full pint from me now.

I gave before Christmas and am not eligible to give again until Feb 5, but I am passing the post on to all MOMS I know. Because you are right; it is one of the only times I am pampered and get to lay in quiet plus its free unlike a massage (the only other time, I get to lay in quiet and be pampered). And also like you, I feel like I am being a good citizen and great Mom for helping.

Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Great posting! I am a faithful donor, having given well over 3 gallons, and am also an EMT. It's a great feeling to know you might save a life, even with something as simple as giving. And last Friday I got a neat T-shirt for my donation! A happy little bonus, but the feeling of giving can't be duplicated. Great message to get out there! Way to go!

Denise Grover Swank said...

Manic Mom, this contest is a wonderful idea! You have inspired me to find out where I can donate myself.

In all honesty, I used to donate all the time when I worked in a hospital but now I am never near a blood drive. However, I of all people should give if only because of the amounts that my family has used.

My husband was hospitalized for 5 weeks almost 2 years ago and used 12 units of blood and 12 units of fresh frozen plasma with only one surgery. I have no idea how much he ultimately ended up getting. Probably close to 100 units! If people hadn't have donated he would have died sooner. I keep "meaning" to give blood but never get around to it; you've inspired me.

Living the Dream said...

I love to give blood! Your right it is like a little vacation, one you feel good about afterwards (Instead like a cruise -you have to diet, Road trip- you have to fumigate the car or Theme park- you have to get a second job). But blood donation has no after effects, unless you get brainfreeze from drinking the cold orange juice to fast. Like you, I took my kids last time, what a GREAT lesson! I will post your contest on my blog, Living the Dream so my friends can join in...thanks!

puck_nc said...

I'm not sure that it's been addressed already - got to get dinner on the table--but it's either a regulation or a law that you can't take a picture of a person in the act of donating. When I was donating once as a grad student, someone from the school newspaper wanted to ask me a few questions and include my photo and the nurse wouldn't let him take the picture until I was done and holding my arm in the air. Just an FYI--I don't know if it's a Red Cross thing or a state/federal thing.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Hey Puck NC--I figured they'd have something legal about photos, so I'm cool with anyone sending in a picture eating the freaking snacks AFTER donating; I'm starting to get disenchanted over this whole plan of mine to do good because no one is playing my game!!! Wahhhh!!!

Will you be the first?

And believe me, the first one who is kind enough to send in a photo is gonna get the best cyber hug and post EVER!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for bringing awareness to the need to give blood. My now 9 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia when she was three. She had a lot (lost count) of blood tranfusions due to the chemo making her blood counts very low. Without people giving blood she would not be here today.

Thanks,
Machelle

Carolyn said...

How timely...I just gave blood on Saturday for the first time in my 46 years on this planet. I didn't take a picture of me giving...after all, I was scared to death! But I do have a picture of the cool shirt that I got on my blog. Check it out!

lakesidequilting.blogspot.com

Jenster said...

I so thought I already posted, but apparently not.

I think what you're doing is GREAT! I'm a big supporter of blood donations.

I used to donate on a regular basis, but as of right now I'm not allowed to donate again until December of 2010 - 5 years after my last chemo. But you inspired me to contact the Red Cross to double check and they are in the process of changing that to 12 months! Which means when it is changed I can go give blood!!

YOU ROCK!!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

JENSTER!!!! NOOOOO!!!

YOU ROCK!!!

Did you have a law changed? Or is this just in your case? That is incredible??? I hope that the day you are able to give blood you take your picture and send it to me, and I can promise you I will send you something very special. You are an amazing and incredible person!

: )

Anonymous said...

the nix on pix is not a Red Cross thing, in CT there are often pics on the newspaper of people donating, to promote future blood drives.
The rules about who can/cannot donate are sometimes annoying, but I think that they are helping to protect the safety of the blood supply--if you think about it that way it makes sense.
In CT if you donate this month, Dunkin Donuts will give you a lb of coffee! they have a give a pint/get a pound promo going on. So if you can get to CT there's an extra bonus!

Cat said...

Hi there! I read about your contest on Dawn's blog. I give blood regularly through our quarterly company blood drive (up to nearly 5 gallons), but I missed it in December because of the holidays. Your blog request encouraged me to make an appt at the local blood center, rather than just wait 'til the drive came by again! So, I went last night. They gave me a really cool "Are you my type" t-shirt too! I emailed you my picture :)

Anonymous said...

I started donating blood when I was 18 but took a long hiatus when I had children. Eventually I made time for it again and since I have always cared for children, partly because they are so vulnerable, I harbored a hope that my blood would be used for somebody's precious little child. One day when I had passed through one line up but was waiting in the next line it seemed to me that the clerk was taking an unusually long time just to get the paraphernalia so I could proceed to the actual blood donation area. Since I had already passed the spot where the nurse inquires as to my sexual history, medical history and travel history I was puzzled as to why it was taking as long as it was. Eventually the clerk looked up and spoke these magic words: that my blood specifically had been requested for a brand new preemie who had to have surgery. It made my day. It made my week. I hope beyond words that it made that baby's life. Having had cancer I can no longer give this magical gift of life so to you I pass the torch ...

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Anon in CT--is this MY sister??? Go give blood, get some coffee, get your photo taken and send it in--you can submit for the contest!!!

Cat--I'll be checking out your photo soon and posting it--THANK YOU contestant No. 2!!

Nancy--You gave me goosebumps!!! I wonder where that preemie is today!
God bless!!

Anonymous said...

daughter and i were heading out to participate but due to new ink in june we can't ... dang it!

Anonymous said...

Yeah!!!!!!!!!! I donated blood today. I have posted before here, my now 9 yr old daughter went through 2 1/2 years of chemo for ALL leukemia. She is doing great now and is over 3 years off treatment. But if it wasn't for the blood tranfusions she received while on chemo she would not be here now. I was not planning on donating today. I went on a field trip with my two daughters (one in 2nd grade and my 9 yr. old in 4th grade) today. After the field trip I had about 3 hours to kill before I had to pick them up from school. SO here I am riding around just trying to find something to do and I ride by this blood bank/donation bus. So I turned around and gave. I barely made the hgb. level but I feel great for giving. It has been a while since I have donated.

Get out there and save a life. Actually the lady at the blood bank/bus said three people benifit from one donation.

Hugs,
Machelle

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Machelle--I do remember you from comments a long time ago--because your name is so uniquely spelled!!!! I am guessing you probably didn't have a camera with you when you donated, but if you have your bandaged arm or the sticker they give you when you donate and you take a picture and email it to me, you can qualify for the contest! Please email it to me at manicmommy@comcast.net, and blessings that your daughter is doing so well! That is wonderful news!!!! SO GREAT!!!!

Anonymous said...

That's OK I'm not concerned about the contest. I kinda stay away from cameras LOL. Anyway, I was just really glad to donate, you know give back a little. Just keep on getting people to donate. I wonder how many people have gave blood due to you? Think of all the children that people are saving due to you.

Hugs,
Machelle, Mom to Elizabeth now 9 years old. www.caringbridge.org/al/elizabethhope

Haley H said...

ManicMom, loved your post.

At my regular job, we write software for blood banks, so I work with a lot for former blood-bankers. Of course, I had to forward the post to all of them. :-)

I used to be a regular donor also. Unfortunately, I'm also one of those people who was deferred from donating again because of a false-positive test result. It's a shame, but it's what they have to do to keep the blood supply safe.

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Hi Haley!!! Nice to see you here! I remember you from RWA. Thanks for sharing the info with the people you know in the blood donating world! Hope to be at another meeting soon, so I'll see ya there!

Thanks again for sharing the post with those you know!

Anonymous said...

Oops, I didn't take a picture or anything. I donated at the Crystal Lake Heartland Blood Center where I got a certificate good for a free pie for donating. Is that close enough to a picture? Shame on me... Or can I get them to sign something saying that I donated it on that Saturday? Forethought would be nice, but hindsight is usually the best I can do ;)

Thanks!
Michelle

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Anon--I know you're telling the truth cuz I got a pie certificate too! Do you have a "I Donated" sticker? A bandaged arm? A teeny tiny hole in your vein? A bruise? Email me a photo of anything you think will qualify and I'll add you to the contestant list!

Include your email address, full name, city, state! Email to manicmommy@comcast.net ... Thanks for donating!!!

Anonymous said...

just letting you know i'll be donating... over here in australia! uni is about to start up, and at the beginning of the semester, they have a blood bank at uni, makes it nice and easy (i live way out, so there are no permanent blood donation spots in the area).

i love what you've started, good luck with it all. i feel strongly about donating - have been doing so since high school, when they started bringing the 'blood bank' to school twice a year to encourage the over-16's to start donating.

Autumn said...

Thanks for the extra push!!! I've been wanting to go back and give for a few months now. My husband is in town for another day, so I'll wait until he goes back! Probably won't make your cut off, but that's ok!!

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Bobbi and Jari--thanks for the comments--hope you'll be able to donate!

Bobbi--so awesome that you're doing this at such a young age already!

Jari--great socks!

Lastel said...

Hi Michelle , I donated blood on the 16 th of January and just found out about your contest on Dawn's blog yesterday . I have a pic of the stickers and info I picked up when I donated and took a pic of my arm you can just barely see where the needle went in , will that work as proof ? Red Cross has not sent me my donor card yet , should be a few more weeks before it is mailed to me , but should be getting a donor letter any day now . This was the first time I have donated since 1983 and the first time in Oregon , the last time was when I lived in Idaho . I will email the pics if that will work , let me know !

Lastel said...

Sorry I addressed my previous post to Michelle instead of Manic Mommy , my bad ! Sorry !

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

Hi Lastel, I LOLed because Michelle is Michelle of Semblance of Sanity and she and I look a lot alike; in fact, when her husband first saw a pic of me on my blog he said something to her about us looking alike, so no worries on that!

And I'm going to email you about the blood contest! You can definitely enter!

Mom said...

I jsut got back from giving blood, alas my mini vacation has ended but i will feel good all day knowing I made a difference

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

Donated yesterday! (2/11) I have a photo to prove it at my place. And I'd forgotten A) How easy it is to donate blood and B) How much I love Lorna Doones!

KIM

EJW said...

Is it too late? I just gave this morning, after a 2-year hiatus (pregnancy, then the year post-transfusion) and boy has it changed! It's all electronic now!

I have a pic, it's terrible (camera phone, I'm not smiling, the guy cut my head off), but I'll send it if you want!

Anonymous said...

Nice to meet someone else who takes too much pleasure in donating blood! I talk about my experience here

Good luck with your novel!

Billie Wages said...

I'm on my way Sunday to begin my infusion of my IVIG, a pooled blood product comprised of more than 1000 blood donors, by law.

I will link to this post of course.

This year I am at an infusion center, and am almost finished with making a video from still photos.

Ragdoll Billie on the Road to Remission

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