Donating Blood

Throughout college, I had always secretly wanted to donate blood but was absolutely afraid to do so.  When I got my ears pierced before middle school, I fainted.  Twice.  There's a story, but I don't care to tell it at the moment.  The point is that because of situations such as the ear piercing and getting a little dizzy after having some blood work done, I was afraid I would pass out or even die because of losing blood.  However, I finally decided to donate blood this summer.  It was very spontaneous and I had actually scheduled it for the day of an Ultimate game.  After a lot of advice from others, I changed the date to a few days later and it was actually a very enjoyable experience.  The nurses were kind, the process was simple, it didn't hurt at all, and I only got a little dizzy when I first sat up.  The nurses just told me to lay back down until I felt like I could sit up.  I gradually became more inclined until I was finally standing on my own two feet with a big smile on my face.  Donating blood is simple, and you get to save lives.  How cool!

The point of this post is not merely to inspire you to donate blood (which you should - just go here).  When my donor card came in the mail, I was still at school.  For some reason, I thought my mom said I was A+.  However, I just found the card and I'm O+!!!  That means I can donate to anyone who is positive!!!  I feel like I have super blood.  Totally kidding.  But I have always hoped that I had type O blood so I could be a universal donor.  I like helping people and this is just one more way to do so.  Unfortunately, malaria can be found in Ethiopia so I have to wait a minimum of 12 months before donating blood...I don't know if my length of stay counts as "living in a country where malaria is found".  If so, I have to wait 3 years before donating blood.  However, I wonder what they will say if I only stay in Addis.  Using the CDC's Worldwide Malaria Risk Map, Addis has zero risk.  Technically, that would mean I can donate blood anyways since I had no risk of contracting it.  However, I'm guessing the American Red Cross won't see things my way.  Sorry citizens, my blood will have to save your life in 1-3 years.