First, I really should have mentioned this sooner, but I just remembered that I’m going to give blood at the Red Cross at 5 p.m. today, and the need is sufficiently great that they asked me to “bring a friend” if I could.
So far, the people I’ve mentioned it to in person have not stepped forward — which is par for the course, and besides, it was relatively short notice for them, too.
But in case any of y’all can drop everything and come join me, please do. You might not be able to do exactly what I plan to do (if my iron is high enough), which is give double red cells, but I’m pretty sure they’ll take whole blood from a walk-in.
And if you can’t make it today, how about tomorrow, or some other time soon? I’ll be glad to help you set it up, or you can call (803) 251-6000. The need is great, particularly now, according to a piece I saw last week in The Wall Street Journal:
A number of blood centers are reporting an unusual drop in collections because too many potential donors are sick with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu. Some blood drives in high schools and corporate offices have had to be scaled back or canceled because of high levels of absenteeism.
Another problem: Some centers say a growing number of donors are calling a day or two after giving blood to say they’ve come down with flu-like symptoms, forcing the centers to dispose of the blood as part of government regulations. Researchers in a government-funded study are testing samples of these donors’ blood for viremia, the medical term for virus in the blood.
That’s nationally. Here in the Midlands, we always have a shortage, because, well, we don’t give as much as we should in this community. So come on out and help, if you can.
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I’m pretty sure they don’t intend to, but every time the Red Cross says that “and bring a friend” bit to me, I have to smile because I think of Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” saying to one wench, “You. My room. 10:30 tonight,” and immediately to another, “You. 10:45… And bring a friend.”
Rickman was about the only enjoyable thing in that movie, as I recall. And of course that little evocation of the wicked joys of nobility was funny on more levels than one. It was, if nothing else, hilariously anachronistic. The phrasing was so very modern, from “my room” to “bring a friend.” Never mind the fact that the concept of time as something measured in such easily tracked 15-minute increments was hundreds of years in the future (like right, these girls had digital watches). But Rickman pulled it off as though it were the most natural thing in the world, which is what made him fun to watch.
Robin and Marian, a fabulous Sherwood Forest Film. Sean Connery as Robin, Audrey Hepburn as Marian, Nicol Williamson as John and Robert Shaw as the Sheriff. Really good stuff.
Rickman is so often the only enjoyable thing in so many movies he’s in….
I would join you, but for some illogical reason, the Red Cross will not take my blood b/c of some remote chance of CJD (I lived in England for 11 months 1980-81 and ate almost no beef), although people are certainly dying for lack of my blood today.
Giving blood is one of the most helpful, least intrusive, things you can do. The folks at the Red Cross are real pros. I give as often as they will let me.
“Robin and Marian” was wonderful. Such an original take on the story.
And Kathryn, never fear — I’m giving DOUBLE red cells, so I’m giving for you (imagine me gazing upward, back of hand to my forehead, looking noble and put-upon as I pour out my lifeblood in the cause).
Oops, it’s quarter til (I can tell because I have modern timepieces). Actually, later than that. Gotta run…
Aw, shucks, Brad. Thanks.
All y’all who can and may, please give blood. My husband says they’ve gotten better snacks. It’s an excuse to eat junk food! A steak!
Save a life!
Oops, scratch that. My iron was good (a 14.0, whatever that means), but I couldn’t give double-red cells because one of the two machines was down. So I gave whole blood instead.
Which means I’m eligible again on Jan. 11.
My birthday. The Big Five-Oh. What a lovely present!
I’m waiting for the 25th annual SC vrs. Clemson blood drive on November 20. Lots of parking and walk-ins welcome at the Colonial Life Arena from 10-3.
Actually, that’s going on now, Maude. I’ve got a long-sleeved T-shirt and everything from today…
Ahhhhh…perhaps the 20th is the last day? I should probably read my emails a little more closely huh? I’ll head over tomorrow!
Cookie, Brad, cookie! Good boy!