Making a difference

Something that has always been a big part of my happiness is making a difference to others. It's always been the way that I was raised to make that little difference or go above and beyond to do something for someone. My mother was a big influence on this fact and over the years growing up it continued to be reinforced by so many of my peers and role models who make a difference in my life.

In high school my senior year, my best friend was the class president and had the main focus on having everyone do their best to make a difference to others. This could be anything from simply saying hello to someone or giving them a compliment, to helping with schoolwork or a personal problem. These little things certainly make a difference to myself and how adamant my friend was about making a difference was incredible to look up to.

Following the goal of making a difference, during my sophomore year I gave my first donation of red blood cells with BloodSource, a local blood bank dedicated to providing blood to those in need. Ever since my first donation, I have been hooked on annually donating and helping others. My senior year through student government, I headed the committee to put on the blood drive at my high school. It has become something very important to me and I hope to continue it through the rest of my life.

Last week I contributed my 16th red blood cell donation, and 4th platelet donation, over the past four years. After giving my first few red blood donations, I wanted to help further with plasma donations and platelet donations. Both of these processes take a bit longer but what is a couple hours out of your day to make the difference to save a persons life. Platelets only last about 5 days and more and more people are in need of them every day. Platelets also replenish faster than red blood cells, allowing donors to donate platelets every two weeks.

I think that giving blood is an excellent service. Since less than 10% of people who are eligible to donate, actually donate, it is crucial to have people who regularly donate their time and blood cells to ones in need. People need your help to help them survive.

If you are eligible, please sign up to donate at a local blood bank today and make a difference to someone in need.