I gave the gift of life today (stay with me on this)

[Omaha Steve]

It was the first time in almost a year. I was over due for my next donation when I was hurt on the job last December. I knew in January I was headed for surgery and should not donate. I was cleared to start donating again a month ago. The last office blood drive happened on a day my co worker was out sick. I wouldn't leave with no one to cover the slot. So today was the big day. I'm O positive. I have a special quality about my blood. I've never had a virus most people have by the age of twelve. I don't have the anti bodies for this virus. I don't recall the name off the top of my head. A little help here. Because of this, my blood is used for newborns, cancer patients, those with aids, and the elderly. I have some friends (here on the Du too) that can't donate for several reasons. I gladly give my gift to those that need it. Bill at work (he can't afford to stay home) started his chemo Monday. I got a special hug before he left today.

[Oceansaway]

1. TOUCHE !!..n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Omaha Steve...

You are a very special guy!

CMVneg is what you have...it is absolutely essential for newborns to have this sort of blood. They have NO immune system, and this blood is free of the things that can kill them.

Kudos, Steve...

:yourock: :yourock:

[Catherine Vincent]

3. Yes you did!

:hug:

[Booster]

4. I always knew there was something special about you.

:hug:

[proud patriot]

5. Thank You

I love selfless acts of kindness . :loveya:

[psychmommy]

6. i am o+ also.

i have begun to donate apheresis. you are donating platelets and can do this more often than donating whole blood. it feels so good to give. it doesn't cost me anything and is a help to many others. keep donating you are a hero!!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. My dear psychmommy!

Blessings on you!

Platelets are always in short supply...

Their shelf life is about 5 days, and when they expire, that's it...

I used to be an apheresis nurse, and I still donate when I have time...

Thank you for your incredible gift...

:hug:

[psychmommy]

10. hugs back atcha.

[Omaha Steve]

11. I had been donating double reds before I got hurt

With double red I can go twice as long between donations. If I understand correctly, I get non cell portions of my blood returned into my system. The Red Cross gets twice the number of red cells. It does take longer, but I never cared about that.

Psychmommy, I know the feeling we share. It is wonderful.

[psychmommy]

15. it's really funny omaha steve,

the more you give, the more your body makes. so the more you can give. you are awesome.

[malaise]

7. Bravo

I was a donor for 30 years. We just gave anonymously but it must be great knowing you're giving to a special group.

[Tripper11]

9. Thank you Steve....

I used to be a regular donor myself until I got leukemia. I used a fair amount of blood and platlets over the course of my treatment and thank all who donate regularly.
I wish I could still donate, but alas, I am now "tainted" as it were.

But thanks! :thumbsup:

Edited to add - 6 years + and countin cancer free

[Skittles]

12. the virus you refer to is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

I know this because I am nearing 30 gallons :D

[DB1]

13. A great reminder to donate, healthy males over 50 tend to....

accumulate too much iron in their system and giving blood is actually good for them. High iron is linked to increased risk of heart disease.

[yellerpup]

14. K&R!

You are an inspiration. O Neg. myself and always in demand. You deserve lots of special hugs!

[Danmel]

16. I too am O+ and CMV -

I don't do apheresis becuase I react badly to the anti coagulants they give you- but they do need CMV neg blood not just for newborns but for anyone who is immuno-suppressed- cancer and AIDS patients and burn patients too.

[Omaha Steve]

17. Glad to hear it

I have no idea why I've never had CMV. But I'm glad I haven't. Donating is so easy. Thanks for your gift too!

[Blue Belle]

18. I have O- blood...

I gave last week and try to give everytime there is a blood drive scheduled at work or at school. They are always running low on that blood type.