New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Right now there are thousands of individuals in hospitals around the country awaiting transplants and blood transfusions, which is why Boy Scout Troop 7 New Bedford will be hosting a community blood drive on September 17, to replenish the available blood supply for individuals in need of transfusions. I am asking for you to perform a small selfless act by being someone’s hero by making an appointment to donate blood at our upcoming drive. If you could also share this information any way that you are able to including forwarding it within your network of contacts and encourage your family, friends and associates to do the same we would greatly appreciate it whereas those people in those hospital are counting on us!
Below I have enclosed several stories from those who have donated in the past and or have been the beneficiary of a transfusion to provide you with an understanding of how important this is. The best way to have a great experience donating blood is to drink plenty of fluids and have a healthy meal beforehand and to bring a friend with you to donate and provide moral support.
1. Give if you are able, please – by Bob
In 1977, I was in a motorcycle crash that resulted in a ruptured spleen. My local hospital did not diagnose the internal injury and as a result I bled for 2 days before being sent to Baptist Hospital in Nashville for surgery. I was given 3 pints of blood and recovered fairly quickly. A few years later, while serving in the US Army, I donated blood for the first time and have been a regular donor ever since. I know the need is constant and am thankful that blood was available for me. It feels good knowing that I can help out by just doing this VERY easy thing.
2. So HAPPY to be a donor! – by Dorothy
In 1987 at the age of 32 I had a malignant Melanoma. After my surgery, I had to see an Oncologist. During my visit to his office, I saw patients, sitting in a hallway, across from each other. They were all hooked up to IV’s. I figured they were either getting Chemotherapy or Platelets. I vowed that if I made it through my ordeal, I would be a donor instead of a recipient. I couldn’t give blood for 5 years and felt tainted. I’ve been giving platelets now since 2007. My goal is to hit 100 donations within the next year. My only hope is that my positive energy is transferred along with my platelets.
3. My son – by Scarlette Rouse
July 8, 2008 my 25 year old son was involved in an accident. While riding in the rescue truck on the way to the hospital God told me he was going to be ok. The Drs at the second hospital, the trauma hospital told us that IF he lived he’d be a quadraplegic. He had broken his back, wrist, bruised his lungs and had a TBI. He had back surgery on July 16. On July 17 he crashed and died, but he came back. He developed ARDS. He stayed in ICU 48 days, then the step down unit then rehab. A total of 91 days in the hospital then a few months of outpatient rehab. You couldn’t tell anything every happened to him. During his hosptial stay he received 22 units of blood and 9 units of plasma. That is why doing blood drives is so important to me. Thank you for letting me share my story.
4. Be a hero – by Sherrie
Be a hero. Make a difference. Those are simple words with a lot of meaning. I think that most people want to make a difference in the world but just really don’t know where to start. Blood donation, especially when the bus mobile comes right to the door at work is an opportunity. In my experience it has offered an opportunity for people to easily make a difference. I would hope I would jump into the lake or run into a burning building to and save a life, but I know that I can save a life when I walk into the Red Cross bus mobile and donate a pint of blood.
I am grateful to the Red Cross for allowing me to be involved as both a company coordinator and as a donor.
5. The precious gift of giving – by Lori
Your blood donations saved a dear family member, who I also had the pleasure to work with. My sister-in-law was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer throughout her body, which required several blood transfusions during her treatment. This inspired me to coordinate a blood drive at work, to build up a blood supply in her name. The response was over whelming, knowing it was for someone they personally knew or someone who worked in the neighboring business park. It ended up being a two day drive, and over 90 pints were collected. I am happy to say this was over seven years ago and my sister-in-law is now in remission. The fact is, in your lifetime everyone will need blood or will know of someone in need. This is a precious gift we rely on each other for as human beings, as there is no other source. This fact alone is my driving force in these coordinating efforts to save more lives. It’s a nice thought knowing one hour of your time can save up to three lives. It’s not only three lives, but three entire families who are spared. What better gift is there than that? Blessing to all of you site coordinators, your willingness to help is bringing hope and joy to so many families.
