My friends at the Virginia Blood Services take time each year to recognize those donors that have gone above and beyond in order to save lives. A Society of 100 was created years ago to honor those donors that have donated more than 100 units.Hearing that people have donated this much is simply awe inspiring and when Marley asked if I would take part in this event, there wasn't anything that would keep me from being there to say thank you. I, along with two other recipients, would offer our stories of survival and appreciation for their heroic efforts.
When I arrived at the location of the event - I was already overwhelmed - The Science Museum of Virginia, located in Richmond, is a grand structure and hearkens back to the era of ornate architecture and craftsmanship. The old train station seemed befitting of the ceremony for it's shear size and grandeur. Now add to that nearly 500 attendees and the entire staff, along with volunteers, of the VBS and I knew that this was THE event of the year. 
The museum graciously donated the facility and therefore, during the cocktail hour, I was able to peruse through the exhibits and see science in action. Whether a room of mirrors, light technology or astronomy, I'm always intrigued by science and this certainly allowed my inner-child to explore a few ideas.
The ceremony it self was a true celebration of the Black and Red - the Society of 100 was celebrated for all they had done, and of course, all they will continue to do. As the cocktail hour drew to a close, it was time to share my story, along with others, about how these individuals continue to save lives. (I should note that for some reason, in the middle of September, the temperature rose to 96 degrees - well, everyone was dressed for an evening of cocktails and celebration and as speakers, we all vowed to keep it short and upbeat to hopefully, beat the heat. We kept it short, but the heat beat us.)
As each new inductee was called to the stage they received a pin to mark their milestone and the adulation of everyone. There were even some members that have surpassed the society by so much that new group was formed this year. These are the Olympians. These donors have donated 200 or more units. On this night, there were three inducted as Olympians - two bronze inductees (200+) and one silver (300+). I should note that the silver award winner, duly noted that in July of 2011, he will achieve the 400 donation mark and will become the first Gold medalist. That is just unbelievable and humbling to know.
It was an honor to be a part of this event and to hear the stories of why people donate and how it has touched their life. It's not always the story of the recipient that needs to be heard, but the story and voice of those that are saving lives everyday, one pint at time.
I was one of those donors attending the event at the Science Museum in September! It was a lovely event celebrating something that most of us do regardless of recognition or reward. My husband came as my guest and it was not until you and the other recipient gave your speech and voiced your thanks to the hundreds of donors there, that it "clicked" with him that my "blood appointments", as my family has called them for years, were in fact vitally important to someone. Something that I realized years ago when I watched a friend of mine, a young mother, receive much needed platelets for Hodgkins.
ReplyDeleteIt was impressive to see the other donors that evening who had given far more than I ! As I post this comment, I am hooked up to a machine that is taking plasma & platelets today! Thank you for the work you do to publicize the need! T. Lindsay