I'm feeling grateful to have made my 100th donation of blood or plasma earlier today in Ottawa. I’ve always had a good experience at Canadian Blood Services’ donation centres. The staff are unfailingly friendly, efficient, kind and grateful. But that's not why I encourage others to donate. And here’s how you can do better than me.
Back in 1999, we nearly lost my wife Margot to a rampaging and deadly leg infection. It came on so suddenly. Her veins collapsing, I drove straight into the regional hospital's ambulance bay, knowing that would get her immediate attention. Still, she nearly succumbed in the next hour. She needed three surgeries in the next three days, and massive doses of antibiotics.
We were madly in love, and a young family with two kids. Overwhelmed with my need for her to survive, I promised — on my knees — that I would donate for as long as I could if she was spared. So yes, I needed a crisis to act. But many donors have told me they ‘just do it.’ Be like them, not like me. Don’t wait for a crisis. Adopt the old Nike slogan!
The year-long Easter Blood Drive, an initiative of the tireless Ed Ng, is encouraging Christians — in Ottawa and beyond — to donate blood or plasma. We’re edging past 250 donations so far this year. Only the RCMP team in Ottawa has more, and they've got years of experience. Go team! If you’d feel at home joining our team, download the Give Blood app, click on the Partners button, select “join an existing team,” and start to type Easter Blood Drive and select it. Book your appointment, and maybe I’ll see you there!
I realize that many regular donors reach or surpass 100 donations. I saw a few on the board the day I reached that milestone. But I hope that in some way, my donation experience motivates others, not only to donate for their first time, but to make it an ongoing commitment.
