By the time I was 15, it was painfully clear that my father’s dream of me studying to become a doctor would remain just that – a dream.
While it fascinated me, Biology just wasn’t my cup of tea, I (still) can’t balance a Chemistry equation to save my life and judging by the D I got on Ordinary Level, I was never going to be a Math whiz.
I never thought I’d save a life, but I’ve saved several.
I don’t know their names, their ages, their situations or their stories, but I’ve saved lives.
It’s not something I think about often. I don’t feel very much like a superhero and I’m aware that I certainly don’t look like one either, but in my own small way, I am one.
I haven’t taken to psychology, haven’t become the kind of hero who talks suicidal people down from bridges, haven’t committed to a life as a paramedic…
I just became a blood donor.
I’ll admit it.
The first time I donated, it was for selfish reasons. It was a way to skip class, score a Coke and chat to my friends.
I didn’t give the 30 odd minutes I spent donating blood a second thought.
Until I heard of new mothers all over the world who bleed to death because there’s no blood in stock for transfusions, patients with stab wounds who can’t be saved, too-young victims of gruesome car crashes who die because blood is in short supply.
Until I realised that in a small way, I could make a big difference.
On my 24th birthday, I gave back by giving life.
And this Tuesday, I donated blood for the eight time.
Nowhere near as many times as I could have donated in my lifetime, my eight blood donations have saved 24 lives.
Each bag of blood I’ve given has had the possibility of saving three lives and every time I take the time to donate again, I’ll be saving even more.
I’ve never felt more empowered the day I realised that I could make a difference. Without being a doctor or a nurse or a paramedic. Without being “someone special”. I can save a life by giving a little of my own. It takes nothing but a little time from me, and gives the irreplaceable gift of life back to someone else.
In this seemingly small way, I make a difference. And so can you.
The Namibian Blood Transfusion Service is running a #DonateB4UGo campaign, urging Namibians to donate blood before leaving on holiday. Like their page on Facebook (‘The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia’) for details on when and where you can donate, or visit bts.com.na for more information.
So this is their, and my, challenge to you: Before you leave to Swakop, the North, Cape Town or wherever it is you’re going this festive season, give back by donating blood. It’ll only take you about half an hour and you too can be a hero.
Have you donated blood recently? Ready to take up the challenge? Tweet me a picture of you saving a life by using the hashtag #DonateB4UGo. “Donate blood. Donate life.”
– cindy@namibian.com.na; @SugaryOblivion on Twitter and Instagram
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