#chooseyourday

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After donating whole blood for the American Red Cross for eleven years, I switched to platelets, and my first successful donation took place on April 10, 2015. This photo was taken after a platelet and plasma donation on September 30, 2016. These products are used in the treatment of cancer patients. My veins do not always cooperate, and attempts to reposition the needle drawing the product are usually met with a clot, which is exactly what platelets are supposed to do; nevertheless, I have had far more successes than failures, and my donations have gone to help patients in many areas of the United States. My fifteen-year association (as of this coming February) with the @AmericanRedCross is an aspect of my life in which I take a great deal of pride. I once had a job recruiter tell me not to mention it, because it was "gross," and I have a longtime friend who jokingly responds "Ish" after every donation. Every once in a great while, it seems as though my arms are doubling as pincushions, but in spite of all of that, I shall not be deterred. Note well that these donations are completely voluntary. Apart from the occasional T-shirt, I am "paid" with pretzels, cranberry juice, genuine thanks from the phlebotomists and volunteers, and the knowledge that the products go to patients who need them. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. Give platelets. Give plasma. #AmericanRedCross #RedCross #RedCrossOnTheWay #ChooseYourDay #GiveLife #GiveBlood #GivePlatelets #GivePlasma #CancerKicker (at American Red Cross) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqlFG7dlvTP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a8tti4t4w1pi

Feel the need for #speed #livelife #livetothemax #chooseyourday #begrateful #lifeisagreatadventure #lifeisagreat #feeltheneedforspeed

Wish there was a way to bleed quicker... #GoodAndBad #Red Cross #DonateNow #CommitToGive #ChooseYourDay (at American Red Cross of Northeastern New York)

Nurse: I'm having trouble getting it in. Me: Me too, lady. That describes my Friday nights. *we both laugh and I cry inside* Pro: Helps a cancer or trauma patient. I get to eat cookies afterwards. Con: I can't drink for 24 hours or donate anything for 112 days. #SorryLadies #LastPartIsGonnaRuinMyDatingLife #RedCross #2RBCDonation #GiveLife #ChooseYourDay #Give