pins and needles

Later on today I will have a bunch of needles stuck in my arms. No I'm not having acupuncture, I'm doing apheresis. Tonight happens to coincide with the donor appreciation party so I'll get to meet lots of other people who are regular contributors.

For curiosity's sake I just called my Volunteer Coordinator to find out how many times I've sat in the chair and done apheresis. Tonight, if I pass the iron test, will mark my 28th donation. WOW! Way back when I was donating whole blood I well surpassed my 5-gallon mark. During the early 90's I did numerous donations at a VA Hospital, located next to CSULB, which wasn't involved in the ARC network.

Overall it has been one of the best volunteer experiences I've ever participated in. I always feel super-charged when I walk out of the donation center. It could be from the sugar rush due to too many cookies and juice, or it could be the fact that I know my blood (or parts thereof) will have a direct impact on someone's life.

(800) GIVE-LIFE

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