My “Public Service” Announcement

Not many people know this about me, but I have been a blood donor since high school, on the unrelated bone marrow donor registry for about 6 years and about 9 years ago I signed the back of my health care card indicating that I wanted to be an organ donor in the event of my untimely death.

I’ve never been faced with a situation where I, or my loved ones, required any of these ‘services’. In that, I’m very fortunate. I chose to do this because it’s such a small thing that can have a huge effect on my fellow man. Unless asked, I do not usually discuss this, but recently a few things have happened that make me want to talk about it.

Through the magic of Facebook, I reconnected with a childhood playmate and have learned that his mother requires a transplant. I am both saddened and amused by his blogs as he and his family walk this path. In a recent blog, I laughed at his story about becoming a blood donor for the first time at age 30-something. Ironically enough, we share a relatively rare blood type.

The other event that has occurred in my life pertains to a little boy in my daughter’s preschool. His older brother has been struggling with leukemia for years. He recently relapsed and now requires a transplant however unfortunately none of his immediate family are a match, so now they are searching the system for an unrelated donor. My heart goes out to this family and I cannot image the depth of the fear, joys and frustrations they have lived with for the past 4 years.

So as you read this, I appeal to you to go give blood. It’s pretty simple, takes about an hour and you get cookies at the end!

Have a look at www.onematch.ca to learn more about Stem Cell and Bone Marrow donation.

And if you feel right about it, sign your organ donor card. I figure if I’m dead, what do I need my organs for? :)

And give your spouse and kids a huge hug and kiss and be grateful for good health!

Cheers!
Voula
February 6, 2009

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