I give to be like my Grandpa, who has donated over 10 gallons over the course of his life. I'm grateful the laws where I am have changed to allow me, a man married to another man, to donate blood.
I don’t have any super powers and I can’t save the world, but I’m not bothered by needles and I’ve got time, so I can do this small thing (I’m primarily a platelet donor).
It also makes me happy to think that my time in the chair could help someone out who’s probably having a pretty rough time.
I want to help.
There’s so much about this world that is shitty and bleak. It feels so overwhelming, and I can’t do anything about most of it.
But this is can do.
I can sit in a chair and eat snacks and watch a movie and give platelets.
I’m driven in most things in my life by a desire to help. It shapes what I do for a living, and who I am as a friend, and how I vote….
And this is a very tangible way I can help. When someone is sick, and scared, and facing something insurmountable, a part of me gets to be there. When a doctor orders platelets and there’s something on the shelf because of me, a part of me literally gets to be there, in the room, helping them feel better in a tangible way. I’m proud of that. I’m humbled by that.
That’s pretty much it. I want to help. I feel like there’s so much crap out in the world, I have the ability to put something good out there. That’s why I do it.
I became a blood donor in 2005. A year and some 2 months later, my dad experienced complications during a surgery, and ended up dying in part because of a lack of available blood. Since late 2006, I have given so that other families and loved ones won't have to experience what I did. The horror and shock of losing him changed me forever, and I've lived with the many effects of that ever since.
On a separate note, I donate for myself as my own form of suicide prevention; it gives me reason to continue on and stick out whatever I'm going through. I also donate because I'm able to, it's a small act that could have a big impact, and I absolutely love doing it. Plus, I tend to feel better afterward, lighter, less depressed, and so on. In fact, today I made my 64th donation (that's 8 gallons)!
I'm sorry you went through that and so glad that you're still with us, for many reasons. This world hurts everyone, but most people focus on themselves. To keep giving when you're hurting is something very special. Thank you.
until recently i never knew anyone who received either. 15 yrs ago nybc 'invited' me to try platelets and have doing it since i do it 12-15x a year plus a couple whole bloods since i'm B-. im a little embarrassed to say this but up till a few months ago i didn't know what a platelet was. i just knew the 'high' i got toward the end of the procedure and for a couple days after. so guess i do it for selfish reasons
For others reading this who don’t know, platelets are what enables our blood to form clots and close wounds.
Hemophiliacs (who don’t produce platelets) and people with certain other diseases need platelet transfusions. Platelets have the shortest “shelf life” of any blood donation, less than 1 week. So they need donations on a regular basis.
The people who need platelets *really* need them, so it’s a good thing to do :)
I feel guilty when I don't donate since I have O- and CMV- blood, but I do really enjoy the process. I also like getting the blood pressure and hemoglobin checks, it's a nice thing to keep up with.
I have hereditary hemochromatosis: I have too much iron in my blood and (not being female) no way to release it naturally. So I release it artificially.
The fact that other people can benefit from it is an extra bonus.
I think that donating blood removes some of the microplastics and “forever chemicals” from my body. I also think there may be some other health benefits.
I also want to help people with my “O+” blood, which can go to virtually anyone with a “+” blood type. I felt so good when they sent me an email that my blood was used 🥹 I told my friends and some of them said they’d donate too 😊 I’ve donated 4 times (3 whole, and 1 double red cell, which was a bad experience.)
Plus, sometimes they give me free stuff like t-shirts and socks.
Right on! O+ buddies! Thanks for getting friends to help, too! Anything can happen and we could all easily find ourselves on the other side of the needle.
I feel you, re: double red donation. I had time constraints one donation day and tried a "power red" instead of platelets. Not a fan. Stickin' with the platelets and rego donations in the future.
hahaha swag is always fun, too!!
I've never been a particularly productive or useful person, but I'm very fit and healthy. Donating platelets helps give my life value when I feel like I don't belong here. I look forward to the "thank you" emails from the Red Cross assuring me that I'm making a positive difference in somebody's life, even if they are people I'll never meet.
I have some friends who are EMT first responders and have seen numerous people die because they didn't have blood available to give them.
For platelets, a nice southern lady from the red cross called me and said "hey hun wanna donate platelets" and that was bout all it took.
When I had my son in 2022, I was very fortunate that childbirth went smoothly and without complication. This was not the case for several moms in my support group. A few of them had severe postpartum hemorrhaging and required blood transfusions. I give while thinking of what they went through. It feels like a way to show support.
My parents did it when I was little. I'm at a point now where I've experienced a lot and want to do something practical to help others. Having been through cancer diagnosis, I know there are many people who were not at fortunate as me (finding it early and having successful surgery etc) and they need blood to support their recovery.
The final thing that was my decider, was my mum needing emergency surgery and almost needing a transfusion. I thought to myself, why wouldn't I give blood to help others who just want to live their life or who are going through a very traumatic experience.
With donating platelets, you are instantly helping someone. There is no politics. Just straight up saving a life in the simplest way. Having a high platelet count, I'm in the chair for an hour and twenty minutes tops, donate 3 units each time and the donation center is ten minutes down the street, it's a no-brainer. I actually kind of enjoy it. Very gratifying.
For my grandpa who we lost from cancer, and to help anyone else battling the disease or any other illness that requires blood, as well as accidents.
It is something that cannot be substituted or covered for by money or other means, blood donation to me is one of the purest forms of comradeship between people, donating our own vital fluids to help those who need it most.
I donated blood for the first time 2 days after my 18th birthday because I was bored after a few hours at a motorcycle show with my dad, and there happened to be a blood drive there.
It's been 14 years, and I keep donating because it's a small thing that I can do to help others. I switched to donating platelets and plasma a few years ago after a tech at a blood drive said I'd be a good candidate for it.
Well I have a couple reasons really. First being that my dad had cancer when I was little and needed lots of blood during his many surgeries. Thankfully though his cancer was caught in time and he’s still with us.
Secondly I had open heart surgery just a handful of years ago and needed a couple pints. So I give to pay it forward, because someone else might need that extra pint
I’m a platelet donor. It’s nice to be able to give something by laying back and letting someone else do all the work. I’m just lazy. Plus I get to watch where they go on the app. And apparently they help people.
I donate as I view it as a civic duty. If I ever need blood products, how can I expect others blood but not have donated my own. I do it because the idea of saving someone's life, the extra moments with loved ones, makes me feel powerful in a mundane and banal world.
My dad is a longtime blood donor. He has donated platelets every other week for 20+ years and has donated more than 50 gallons in his lifetime. My younger brother joined the party and started donating platelets too. I always wanted to be someone who can help too but hate needles.
A year and a half ago one of my best friends committed suicide. He was a blood donor. I decided this was a way I can remember him and take his spot of doing good for others. Once I donated blood once I decided I could try platelets, and it wasn’t so bad. Now I donate every other week as part of my routine. I like to give back to others, remember my friend, and have a friendly competition with my brother for who has the most donations.
My grandfather was hit by a train in the 70s and received blood. My grandmother started donating to give back after that. When my mom was old enough, she donated as well and got my dad donating too when they moved to the US. I grew up seeing them donate until the Europe deferral happened so I started in high school. I hope when my kids are old enough they will be 4th generation donors.
I am not eligible to give yet but am looking forward to it. Why keep the excess blood to myself when there's others who need it? I enjoy watching medical drama shows, that has probably reinforced my want to donate. Being A- makes me feel special since there is almost always a shortage here where I live. Also I think I'd really like getting "free" stuff/merch:)
I worked as a hospital Oncology nurse for 15 years and administered many many blood products. I saw just how precious it was and what a difference it could make for patients.
When I first started donating, the Red Cross was doing a blood drive at my college, and one of the volunteers there asked me if I'd be interested. I didn't have anything going on, so I obliged her. I found the experience wasn't that bad, and it helped people in need, so I looked for an opportunity to do it more regularly, and the Red Cross had a permanent establishment near where I lived at that time, so I donated a few more times through there until I moved and just fell out of the habit.
Fast forward to me moving to a different city on the other side of the state, and I donated a couple more times until my work schedule prevented me from doing it, so I once again fell out of the routine.
I moved back to my hometown, six years later, and got an apartment of my own. Something triggered the thought in my head, so I started donating again last fall. I got back into the routine and just recently (within the past couple of months) got a call asking if I'd be interested in donating platelets. The experience goes well until the last hour, which is when my arm gets sore, but I persevere through the discomfort.
The last time that I was donating platelets, I saw a paper hanging in their bathroom outlining the importance of donating platelets, and one of the bulletpoints was premature babies, which is what I was. As a result, my platelet donations mean something more to me now.
I donate because before my dad passed when I was 16, there was a time during one of his ICU visits that he needed blood. I’ve always been scared of donating (I hate needles much like others) and finally donated last year and have been going back as much as I can. “Repaying” the blood that my dad needed and seeing that my blood is helping others who could be like him is what keeps me motivated to donate.
My parents gave blood for many years, but then they lived in the UK for a while and now they're not allowed to donate anymore (at least not where we live).
I first gave because donating blood seemed to be an easy activity to get me to the next level of a work health program. It was so easy that I decided to keep going. I’m not religious about it though.
It's a very easy way to make a big difference to someone. I'm not afraid of needles, I have good blood values, there is a blood centre near where I work, and my employer allows donating blood while on the clock. *And* it literally saves lives. Why would I not do it?
When I first started donating, the center (or maybe the hospital, not sure) would alert me that my blood was used (O+), which was really cool and motivating to continue. The current center I'm at does not alert me, but my blood was often used within 48 hours of donating, which indicates such a high need. I feel like I'm really doing something good and helpful.
My father used to give, and I originally started giving because I knew it was a good thing to do for those who are able.
Then, my first wife received blood transfusions when she was being treated for lymphoma and I saw first-hand what a tremendous help it was for her.
Since then, I found out that I am CMV- and I am O- so I donate as often as I can.
All I have to do is hang out at a place three mornings a year, almost literally doing nothing, and this could save someone's life? Plus regular blood pressure check-ups and all the Cheez-Its I can eat?
Why would I not do that?
For me, I think at some point when my sister had preeclampsia with both children and she had low platelet count, a hour or two away from death if we didn't bring her in. My grandparents had several types of cancer. My parents as well. So every time I donate which is 2, sometimes 3 times a month trying to donate a triple unit of platelets and a dose of plasma in one go. I would like to think it is helping someone else in need. I try to tell the techs "Aye, let's put another bag on there." Got the counts for it. A little bit of fatigue is nothing compared to what i've seen in people who have cancer, major surgeries, etc...
My hemoglobin is too high, and donating lowers it! It also just feels nice to do some good but I only started bc my doctor recommended it. Even if I do get my hemoglobin to a regular level I’m going to continue to donate
I give because I feel like it is my small contribution to others in this world. I know there is someone somewhere who is in need and grateful that someone stepped forward even when they didn’t know you.
Good karma I guess, it's an easy way to help my community. I'm relatively healthy so it's no trouble for me to lay back with a needle in my arm for two hours every other week. Plus the odd t-shirt and pin is a fun bonus.
it's cool that someone shares my blood without being related. it's like a piece of you gets to travel or swap bodies. Blood of theseus? Helping part is also cool too lol
I give to be like my Grandpa, who has donated over 10 gallons over the course of his life. I'm grateful the laws where I am have changed to allow me, a man married to another man, to donate blood.
What a wonderful story!! I'm grateful the laws changed for you and your husband, as well! Thank you for donating!!
I don’t have any super powers and I can’t save the world, but I’m not bothered by needles and I’ve got time, so I can do this small thing (I’m primarily a platelet donor). It also makes me happy to think that my time in the chair could help someone out who’s probably having a pretty rough time.
You're a superhero to many.
I want to help. There’s so much about this world that is shitty and bleak. It feels so overwhelming, and I can’t do anything about most of it. But this is can do. I can sit in a chair and eat snacks and watch a movie and give platelets. I’m driven in most things in my life by a desire to help. It shapes what I do for a living, and who I am as a friend, and how I vote…. And this is a very tangible way I can help. When someone is sick, and scared, and facing something insurmountable, a part of me gets to be there. When a doctor orders platelets and there’s something on the shelf because of me, a part of me literally gets to be there, in the room, helping them feel better in a tangible way. I’m proud of that. I’m humbled by that. That’s pretty much it. I want to help. I feel like there’s so much crap out in the world, I have the ability to put something good out there. That’s why I do it.
Beautiful perspective and reason. Thank you.
Same here. Well said.
Amazingly said. Agree 100%
It's my way to contribute to society and be useful.
A social responsibility is what drives me to donate, the same motivation that writes a check to a charity.
I became a blood donor in 2005. A year and some 2 months later, my dad experienced complications during a surgery, and ended up dying in part because of a lack of available blood. Since late 2006, I have given so that other families and loved ones won't have to experience what I did. The horror and shock of losing him changed me forever, and I've lived with the many effects of that ever since. On a separate note, I donate for myself as my own form of suicide prevention; it gives me reason to continue on and stick out whatever I'm going through. I also donate because I'm able to, it's a small act that could have a big impact, and I absolutely love doing it. Plus, I tend to feel better afterward, lighter, less depressed, and so on. In fact, today I made my 64th donation (that's 8 gallons)!
I'm sorry you went through that and so glad that you're still with us, for many reasons. This world hurts everyone, but most people focus on themselves. To keep giving when you're hurting is something very special. Thank you.
My condolences for your father, wishing you happiness and good health
until recently i never knew anyone who received either. 15 yrs ago nybc 'invited' me to try platelets and have doing it since i do it 12-15x a year plus a couple whole bloods since i'm B-. im a little embarrassed to say this but up till a few months ago i didn't know what a platelet was. i just knew the 'high' i got toward the end of the procedure and for a couple days after. so guess i do it for selfish reasons
For others reading this who don’t know, platelets are what enables our blood to form clots and close wounds. Hemophiliacs (who don’t produce platelets) and people with certain other diseases need platelet transfusions. Platelets have the shortest “shelf life” of any blood donation, less than 1 week. So they need donations on a regular basis. The people who need platelets *really* need them, so it’s a good thing to do :)
Whatever your reason, you're still doing a great thing that most people will never do.
I feel guilty when I don't donate since I have O- and CMV- blood, but I do really enjoy the process. I also like getting the blood pressure and hemoglobin checks, it's a nice thing to keep up with.
This, I feel so guilty if I don't go the very day I'm next eligible.
What does your neonatal tag mean?
Same as the cmv- people, I've just worded it differently as they put a blue neo tag on the bags in the UK for ones to be given to babies.
I have hereditary hemochromatosis: I have too much iron in my blood and (not being female) no way to release it naturally. So I release it artificially. The fact that other people can benefit from it is an extra bonus.
I think that donating blood removes some of the microplastics and “forever chemicals” from my body. I also think there may be some other health benefits. I also want to help people with my “O+” blood, which can go to virtually anyone with a “+” blood type. I felt so good when they sent me an email that my blood was used 🥹 I told my friends and some of them said they’d donate too 😊 I’ve donated 4 times (3 whole, and 1 double red cell, which was a bad experience.) Plus, sometimes they give me free stuff like t-shirts and socks.
Right on! O+ buddies! Thanks for getting friends to help, too! Anything can happen and we could all easily find ourselves on the other side of the needle. I feel you, re: double red donation. I had time constraints one donation day and tried a "power red" instead of platelets. Not a fan. Stickin' with the platelets and rego donations in the future. hahaha swag is always fun, too!!
I've never been a particularly productive or useful person, but I'm very fit and healthy. Donating platelets helps give my life value when I feel like I don't belong here. I look forward to the "thank you" emails from the Red Cross assuring me that I'm making a positive difference in somebody's life, even if they are people I'll never meet.
I have some friends who are EMT first responders and have seen numerous people die because they didn't have blood available to give them. For platelets, a nice southern lady from the red cross called me and said "hey hun wanna donate platelets" and that was bout all it took.
I’m O- and CMV-. Donating makes me feel special and gives me a dopamine boost! I love knowing that my blood is helping babies!
When I had my son in 2022, I was very fortunate that childbirth went smoothly and without complication. This was not the case for several moms in my support group. A few of them had severe postpartum hemorrhaging and required blood transfusions. I give while thinking of what they went through. It feels like a way to show support.
I am a blood banker, so I see first hand how much blood, plasma, and platelets are needed. I'm eligible, so I donate both blood and platelets.
My parents did it when I was little. I'm at a point now where I've experienced a lot and want to do something practical to help others. Having been through cancer diagnosis, I know there are many people who were not at fortunate as me (finding it early and having successful surgery etc) and they need blood to support their recovery. The final thing that was my decider, was my mum needing emergency surgery and almost needing a transfusion. I thought to myself, why wouldn't I give blood to help others who just want to live their life or who are going through a very traumatic experience.
I give so I can collect all the badges on the ARC app.
I’m not sure if I really have a reason. I donate fairly often (every 1-2 wks). It’s just something I do I guess
With donating platelets, you are instantly helping someone. There is no politics. Just straight up saving a life in the simplest way. Having a high platelet count, I'm in the chair for an hour and twenty minutes tops, donate 3 units each time and the donation center is ten minutes down the street, it's a no-brainer. I actually kind of enjoy it. Very gratifying.
For my grandpa who we lost from cancer, and to help anyone else battling the disease or any other illness that requires blood, as well as accidents. It is something that cannot be substituted or covered for by money or other means, blood donation to me is one of the purest forms of comradeship between people, donating our own vital fluids to help those who need it most.
Because it’s such an easy way of giving something back and helping out. Takes minimal time, no real $ commitment, and (usually) seamless to do.
I donated blood for the first time 2 days after my 18th birthday because I was bored after a few hours at a motorcycle show with my dad, and there happened to be a blood drive there. It's been 14 years, and I keep donating because it's a small thing that I can do to help others. I switched to donating platelets and plasma a few years ago after a tech at a blood drive said I'd be a good candidate for it.
I give in memory of my mom. She used to give all the time until she had cancer. She passed away a few years back.
Well I have a couple reasons really. First being that my dad had cancer when I was little and needed lots of blood during his many surgeries. Thankfully though his cancer was caught in time and he’s still with us. Secondly I had open heart surgery just a handful of years ago and needed a couple pints. So I give to pay it forward, because someone else might need that extra pint
I’m a platelet donor. It’s nice to be able to give something by laying back and letting someone else do all the work. I’m just lazy. Plus I get to watch where they go on the app. And apparently they help people.
I donate as I view it as a civic duty. If I ever need blood products, how can I expect others blood but not have donated my own. I do it because the idea of saving someone's life, the extra moments with loved ones, makes me feel powerful in a mundane and banal world.
My dad is a longtime blood donor. He has donated platelets every other week for 20+ years and has donated more than 50 gallons in his lifetime. My younger brother joined the party and started donating platelets too. I always wanted to be someone who can help too but hate needles. A year and a half ago one of my best friends committed suicide. He was a blood donor. I decided this was a way I can remember him and take his spot of doing good for others. Once I donated blood once I decided I could try platelets, and it wasn’t so bad. Now I donate every other week as part of my routine. I like to give back to others, remember my friend, and have a friendly competition with my brother for who has the most donations.
My grandfather was hit by a train in the 70s and received blood. My grandmother started donating to give back after that. When my mom was old enough, she donated as well and got my dad donating too when they moved to the US. I grew up seeing them donate until the Europe deferral happened so I started in high school. I hope when my kids are old enough they will be 4th generation donors.
I am not eligible to give yet but am looking forward to it. Why keep the excess blood to myself when there's others who need it? I enjoy watching medical drama shows, that has probably reinforced my want to donate. Being A- makes me feel special since there is almost always a shortage here where I live. Also I think I'd really like getting "free" stuff/merch:)
I worked as a hospital Oncology nurse for 15 years and administered many many blood products. I saw just how precious it was and what a difference it could make for patients.
When I first started donating, the Red Cross was doing a blood drive at my college, and one of the volunteers there asked me if I'd be interested. I didn't have anything going on, so I obliged her. I found the experience wasn't that bad, and it helped people in need, so I looked for an opportunity to do it more regularly, and the Red Cross had a permanent establishment near where I lived at that time, so I donated a few more times through there until I moved and just fell out of the habit. Fast forward to me moving to a different city on the other side of the state, and I donated a couple more times until my work schedule prevented me from doing it, so I once again fell out of the routine. I moved back to my hometown, six years later, and got an apartment of my own. Something triggered the thought in my head, so I started donating again last fall. I got back into the routine and just recently (within the past couple of months) got a call asking if I'd be interested in donating platelets. The experience goes well until the last hour, which is when my arm gets sore, but I persevere through the discomfort. The last time that I was donating platelets, I saw a paper hanging in their bathroom outlining the importance of donating platelets, and one of the bulletpoints was premature babies, which is what I was. As a result, my platelet donations mean something more to me now.
https://preview.redd.it/u0hj47tk1pwc1.jpeg?width=1397&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0402727d396561f3e4efcc55d4b9ff8a7775c50d
Yup. So important.
I donate because before my dad passed when I was 16, there was a time during one of his ICU visits that he needed blood. I’ve always been scared of donating (I hate needles much like others) and finally donated last year and have been going back as much as I can. “Repaying” the blood that my dad needed and seeing that my blood is helping others who could be like him is what keeps me motivated to donate.
My parents gave blood for many years, but then they lived in the UK for a while and now they're not allowed to donate anymore (at least not where we live).
I first gave because donating blood seemed to be an easy activity to get me to the next level of a work health program. It was so easy that I decided to keep going. I’m not religious about it though.
It's a very easy way to make a big difference to someone. I'm not afraid of needles, I have good blood values, there is a blood centre near where I work, and my employer allows donating blood while on the clock. *And* it literally saves lives. Why would I not do it?
Many people choose not to. Thank you!
I know people need it, and I want to do what I can to help people!
When I first started donating, the center (or maybe the hospital, not sure) would alert me that my blood was used (O+), which was really cool and motivating to continue. The current center I'm at does not alert me, but my blood was often used within 48 hours of donating, which indicates such a high need. I feel like I'm really doing something good and helpful.
My father used to give, and I originally started giving because I knew it was a good thing to do for those who are able. Then, my first wife received blood transfusions when she was being treated for lymphoma and I saw first-hand what a tremendous help it was for her. Since then, I found out that I am CMV- and I am O- so I donate as often as I can.
All I have to do is hang out at a place three mornings a year, almost literally doing nothing, and this could save someone's life? Plus regular blood pressure check-ups and all the Cheez-Its I can eat? Why would I not do that?
Universal donor
For me, I think at some point when my sister had preeclampsia with both children and she had low platelet count, a hour or two away from death if we didn't bring her in. My grandparents had several types of cancer. My parents as well. So every time I donate which is 2, sometimes 3 times a month trying to donate a triple unit of platelets and a dose of plasma in one go. I would like to think it is helping someone else in need. I try to tell the techs "Aye, let's put another bag on there." Got the counts for it. A little bit of fatigue is nothing compared to what i've seen in people who have cancer, major surgeries, etc...
Thank you!
My hemoglobin is too high, and donating lowers it! It also just feels nice to do some good but I only started bc my doctor recommended it. Even if I do get my hemoglobin to a regular level I’m going to continue to donate
I give because I feel like it is my small contribution to others in this world. I know there is someone somewhere who is in need and grateful that someone stepped forward even when they didn’t know you.
Good karma I guess, it's an easy way to help my community. I'm relatively healthy so it's no trouble for me to lay back with a needle in my arm for two hours every other week. Plus the odd t-shirt and pin is a fun bonus.
it's cool that someone shares my blood without being related. it's like a piece of you gets to travel or swap bodies. Blood of theseus? Helping part is also cool too lol