Another Amazing Holiday Gift... A story - ThinnerTimes

Toony · 12-19-2007, 07:57 PM

Seven years ago, our back yard neighbor - Jason (age 17) was out helping an elderly neighbor lady deliver the big and bulky Sunday newspapers. They were out on a country road in the wee hours of the morning when a drunk driver (also aged 17) hit the car Jason was in -- it burst into a fireball, and Jason was burned to death. The elderly neighbor suffered some serious injuries, but survived... The drunk driver walked away without a scratch.

Jason was only a couple of days away from starting his senior year of high school... his future was bright and on the verge of so many new things for him...

Today is Jason's birthday. He would have turned 25. His family mourned him and felt the hurt even more each December 19...

Five years ago, they decided enough was enough... and they started a blood drive in Jason's memory. It has grown to quite a community event, with newspaper, tv and radio spots telling the story. Today the blood drive went for a full 12 hours! Today they celebrated Jason's life with live music, donated food, door prizes, t-shirts and a huge birthday cake... I haven't heard how many pints of blood were collected, but it is a big boost to the Red Cross at this time of year.

A gift of life from so many people touched by Jason's story... Maybe you can celebrate life too ---- and give the gift only you can give...

I did...

and if feels AMAZING!

fisher1000 · 12-19-2007, 08:04 PM

Good for you Katie!

I give at least once a year.

Nice story, too...

Hope you're doing well. How's the knee today?

-Mike

jerseygrl684 · 12-19-2007, 08:39 PM

I give yearly. My friends son died of cancer 7 yrs ago. I don't know how far along you have to be to give blood as a post-wls patient. Maybe some of the nurses here can verify?

Duckie · 12-19-2007, 08:42 PM

I have heard conflicting reports as to whether we can give or not. I used to give every 3 months (or was it 4?) when I could give again.

coptergirl · 12-19-2007, 08:42 PM

What a moving story!! I have tried to give, but iron has been lower the past few years so they turned me away. Givers of blood are givers of life!

Princess · 12-20-2007, 07:09 AM

Canadian Blood service don't want my blood, something to do with being British and a mad cow! (how do they know that without meeting me!!)

Toony · 12-20-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coptergirl

What a moving story!! I have tried to give, but iron has been lower the past few years so they turned me away. Givers of blood are givers of life!

My iron has been just barely passing to give blood... acceptable is 12.5 (whatever) ... Mine checked out at 14.5 this time! Good to know the supplements I'm taking daily have paid off : )