Heart Month and Blood Donors

February is Heart Month as celebrated nationally by the American Heart Association and the Go Red for Women Campaign. Specifically, Friday, February 5, is Wear Red Day - in order to raise awareness for women's heart health.

This month, Go Red/AHA in VA is partnering with the Virginia Blood Services to promote blood donations. This is essential to heart health because should a woman (and yes, men too!) require heart surgery, she will most likely also require a transfusion during that surgery. In Virginia alone more than 100,000 people receive life-saving heart surgeries every year. You can donate blood today in honor of a heart survivor you know. You can contact the VA Blood Services directly at 804.359.5100.

Beyond donating blood, here are a few other ways you can support the Go Red campaign this month:

- Join Go Red Richmond sponsor Bon Secours For Women at ANY Richmond-area Macy’s store on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 3-7 p.m. for a free health screening! Be sure to wear red--- Macy’s will give any shopper in red 15% off your purchase during their Go Red promotion, Feb. 3-7

- Drop by your local Jiffy Lube and Ross stores and be sure to thank the manager and associates for their efforts. Both are raising awareness and funds in February.

- Download a free toolkit with fun and easy ways your company, school, church or family can participate at www.heart.org/wearredday

You can visit www.americanheart.org to find other events near you. There will be thousands of opportunities that you can participate in. You can raise awareness for women's heart disease by wearing red on Friday or donate blood for those ladies who will need heart surgeries.

Blogging Break: It's Miss America Time!

So those that know me, and know me well, understand that just a few nights a year I get to see a bonafide pageant on TV. Well it's the grand-daddy of them all - Miss America - and she's on TV tonight!

Excited probably isn't the right word to use - but you should know that I will only answer the phone at commercial breaks; I will tape the pageant to save for all eternity; and I have been keeping up with the pre-lims all week and yes, I do have my top 15 set (well, almost!)

You see, growing up Miss America was always a tradition. I remember watching it with my mom and then when I was older and I wanted to enter a pageant in high school, it took on a new meaning. Lots of people have a "Bucket List" - you know, those things that you would like to do before you die. My list contains an entire section dedicated to Miss America.

Corny or strange as it may seem, some of us really do enjoy pageantry - and I don't mean the kiddie/glitzy aspect (I don't enjoy those at all) - the part of pageantry that truly helps women develop their talents, interview skills, poise, presence, etc. It's an acquired taste I guess, but once your hooked - you may need a 12-step program to get "un-hooked"!

I have had the pleasure of attending two Miss America pageants - one in Atlantic City the other in Vegas. I was so excited to go the first time, it was the year Heather Whitestone won and I was just amazed at the sights, the pageant-celebrity, and in awe of it all. In Vegas, I traveled with my mother, sister, and my late Aunt Jodie. The three of them hardly saw me - I didn't want to spend time at the slots or see the sights - I strictly stayed immersed in Miss America activities, I'm fairly certain I did not see daylight for 3 days. I enjoyed every minute of it!

I had hoped to go back this year, alas that is not the case but I do have several friends there - some of whom go every year. I am getting regular updates through text, twitter, and beyond. (That's when I LOVE technology!).

Of course, I will have my notepad ready for a detailed account of every gown, talent, swimsuit or statement. I always find it interesting the general commentary of who looks good in their gown or swimsuit - really, they each have a LOT of courage just to walk on the stage so who are we to say they shouldn't be there. After all, we are sitting in the audience they are doing the work. They are all in top shape, looking beautiful, and speak eloquently - do I have a favorites, sure I do (don't we all!). I always love my home-state girl and I have some sentimental favorites too - this year Puerto Rico has sent a delegate for the first time and quite frankly, she's a stunner. Is it about who is prettiest? smartest? most talented? Yes and No - it's about who is the most well-rounded and who, on that day, the judges enjoyed the most. It's very subjective and always arguable, however, it's Miss America, and it's tradition.

So, I hope you watch tonight and if you aren't watching - please don't call me, I'm likely not to answer! :o)

Club 25: Haitian Youth Donate Blood

Before the earthquake, 65 per cent of the blood distributed in Haiti was supplied by some 20,000 Haitian Red Cross volunteer blood donors.

Much of the blood used to help people injured in the earthquake has come from a group of young donors known as Club 25. Created in 2006, Club 25 now has 4,000 members who give blood regularly - one pouch every four months for men, and one every three months for women.

Club 25 is designed for young people not only to give blood to save life, but also to attend a blood centres, learn about healthy lifestyles and share what they have learned with their community. These young blood donors can also remain active in health promotion activities by fighting against HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and other health risk behaviours, as well as promoting, for example, first aid, good nutrition, physical exercise and road safety.

As health and care in the community has been a core area for the Red Cross and due to its potential impact in other parts of the world, Club 25 was selected as one of the key topics for an international effort: and now arising from the workshops it is likely that Club 25 Program will be implemented soon in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Belize, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay Jamaica, and Guyana.

While Club 25 has been working hard in Haiti to supply blood to those needed, the supply has been heavily impacted with the earthquake - they are diligently working to increase the supply, but it will take time.

Saving lives through blood donation is more than a local effort - it truly is global. More importantly, the need for blood does not discriminate based upon age, race, geography, religion, etc...it's a universal need with only ONE solution - donors save lives.

The Number Debate

So there has been a bit of debate about how many lives are actually saved by donated blood. Is it 2? Is it 3? Is it 4? Different donor organizations list different numbers and they change according to geography too.

It's most definitely 2, and quite possibly 3. Not sure about 4 - how's that for a definitive answer?

One unit of blood can be separated into several components: red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. These components can be used individually or collectively depending upon the need and incident. The usage is determined at the time of need.

So the answer is that 2 lives will be saved and a 3rd is likely. Therefore, up to 3 lives can be saved with your donation. It's always "Hip 2 Give" since we know that 2 lives will be saved and those lives above and beyond that number are just a bigger blessing indeed!

Tattoo Legislation

Many people have tattoos as a personal form of self-expression. But did you know that in many states that if you have received a tattoo, that you will have to wait 12 months to donate blood?

Seems extensive however the risk, even today, of infection or inappropriate needle usage is the concern. New proposed regulatory legislation in Florida, centers around tattoo facilities utilizing stricter licensing and continuing education, however, as a benefit could increase the donor pool by allowing individuals with new tattoos to donate.

While this current regulation is not under review in other states, setting the precedent is important in order to broaden the donor pool across the country. With each journey, you must take the first step.

A Blood Donor Saved My Life - And Yours

I found this T-Shirt today and for me, it fits in two very different ways but very true either way. Profound and simple.

Making a Personal Visit

In the last year, my passion for connecting donors to the lives that they save has truly been a blessed journey. It seems that each day brings a new opportunity and a new door to open.
Last summer one such opportunity came through the American Red Cross, Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Division. I had been contacted by an intern working in the marketing department and I continued to stay in contact with her until she went back to school. Late in the summer, I received a call from Stephanie Stay (pictured above), the Marketing Specialist. It was then that she asked me to share my story within the Public Service Announcement and several subsequent promotions.

While to some she's just "doing her job", for me, and many others, she is actively saving lives by engaging potential donors and having them become regular donors. By sharing my story, and many other stories, she is putting a face to the disease - the accident - the disaster - or other ailments in a way that respects the survivor and shows appreciation for the donor.

Stephanie's office is in Norfolk, which from where I live, is about a 3 1/2 hour "commute". However, being that I was in the neighborhood, I made a point to stop by and say thank you for allowing my story to be shared with so many through the American Red Cross and for supporting my efforts.

The Mid-Atlantic Blood Services handles the Central & Southern Regions of Virginia (which inlcudes my home) and North Carolina. That's a lot of lives that they are saving - one pint at a time. Thank you to Stephanie and all of the busy bees in Norfolk, I certainly appreciate every additional minute you have blessed me with.

Oysters and More!

While I never really take a break from being a blood-donor advocate, I do like to just take a break.

This weekend, I went to visit my parents in the Outer Banks (OBX for those into abbreviations) of North Carolina. This sweet slice of heaven has been the beach that my family has called home for more than 50 years - from a time when you had to bring your own water if you wanted to drink anything. While it has changed immensely over the years it still means home.

While the ride to the beach may be long and the potty stops on the way may be many, when I get to the Wright Memorial Bridge, the fresh salt-water air and the sight of the Pamlico Sound immediately wash away the cares of the world and bring me back to a time when all I cared about was how tan I could get and how late could I stay out without getting in trouble.

As time has gone by, there is one thing that has never changed - my love of sun, surf and sand - even if it's in January. You never quite know all that the beach has to offer until you have experienced all of it's seasons. From the quiet spots that tourists would never find to big events that bring everyone out, there is so much that beach life has to offer - now, if retirement could happen today, I would be living here tomorrow.

Some of things that you may not realize that take place in a beach community, is that there is still a need for a food pantry - especially in these economic times. So while supporting the local food pantry, we worked in a little family fun. The local anglers club hosted an Oyster Roast, which I can't say I was excited to hear since it was outside - in January. Thankfully, the weather held out for a brisk 48 degrees and the oysters where plentiful (along with hot dogs/hamburgers for those that choose not to eat ocean filters....that's my dad's humor).

The roast was outstanding and the pantry will be receiving a wonderful amount of food. It's hard to think that in such a familiar place where vacations are the norm there are so many in need. There are always events going on here in OBX to benefit local charities, and I suggest that the next time you are here (or anywhere on vacation) take a few hours or even a day to give time to a local charity - the people that you help may have never had a vacation and your few hours might just give them a well deserved moment of rest.

Speaking with the Kiwanis Club

It was an absolute delight and honor to speak at the Kiwanis Meeting in Manassas this evening. I'm always a bit nervous, like many, stepping into the unknown, however, greeted by friendly smiles and big hearts made entering this room quite easy.

I had never attended a Kiwanis meeting before and it was refreshing to see that the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and even a prayer prior to dinner. It's unfortunate to say that in this day and age, many organizations do not open with either - it's appropriate to honor Country and give thanks when groups gather. At least in my book it is.

I was invited to attend the meeting by Kelly Parris, a Senior Account Representative DRD with the American Red Cross. Kelly is with the Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region and has been wonderful and instrumental in allowing me to connect with donors.

Having the opportunity to share my story is always a humbling experience as it reminds me of just how close I have been to not having these experiences. Even better is that the Kiwanis members were an engaging group and quite a few were already blood donors - which is always a bonus!

Intent to ask questions and being intrigued with different parts of my story is always a great way to learn more. Tonight, the questions ranged from how long does a transfusion take (which varies by necessity/urgency) to trying to understand the reasons behind my Anemia. This is always revealing to me that the general public truly needs to see/hear from recipients. Donors and potential donors need to see the lives that they save and reasons behind the need. Connecting donors to the lives that they save is crucial in my plight for more donors.

I truly appreciate this opportunity to share with the Kiwanis and I enjoyed my evening with a group of caring individuals that invest in the greater good for all mankind.

Emergency Help for Haiti

Waking up to the catastrophic events in Haiti seems rather surreal. My heart and prayers certainly go out to all of the victims, their families and the country. The minute by minute news updates are staggering and heart wrenching.

During a time such as this, there is always an opportunity for citizens of the US to help whether through monetary donations, volunteer assistance and even through blood donations. Humanitarian efforts will be great in this time of need.

An event such as this will greatly impact the current blood supplies and I encourage all of those that can, to donate today. If you are not sure of a blood drive near you, please call The American Red Cross at 1-800-Give-Life or visit www.redcrossblood.org to find a donation location near you.

Hip Facts 2 Know

Sometimes the statistics can be startling and sometimes they can be interesting - but most importantly, they are all staggering. Below are some important facts to keep in mind and to consider, especially if you have never donated, perhaps this can change your mind:

~ More than 1 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. During their treatments, many will require transfusions, some will need them daily to survive.

~ Only 3 percent of people in the U.S. have AB-positive blood type. AB-positive type blood donors are universal donors of plasma, which is often used in emergencies, for newborns and for patients requiring massive transfusions.

~ A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

~ There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a pint of donated whole blood – hence each donation can help save up to three lives. (And that's why "It's Hip 2 Give", because we know that 2 lives will absolutely be saved)

~ Share of the U.S. population eligible to give blood: Less than 38 percent.

~ A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days.

~ On average, a total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

~ Two most common reasons cited by people who don't give blood are: "Never thought about it" and "I don't like needles."

~ If you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 1,000 lives!

~ Every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs a blood transfusion.

Exciting News to Announce!

Each day I am amazed at the contiued blessings that I am experiencing in regards to "It's Hip 2 Give". I realize that this is because of God's plan (and maybe a little work from me).

I received a wonderful e-mail and phone call today from two contacts at the American Red Cross (Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region) inviting me to participate in their testimonial speaker program and to utilize my story in another baseball campaign they are doing in their region. I am humbled that I will have an opportunity to share my story with more individuals and encourage them to donate - and even thank a few more who have.

The Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region services Northern VA, Maryland, Washington, DC, and York/Adams Co. Pennsylvania. Now, I will be reaching donors and potential donors from North Carolina to PA - how exciting!

The Latest Blood News

Well, lots of things happening in the world of Blood Donations this month - besides being National Blood Donor Month, exciting news has been announced for Rhode Island!

As of February 1, 2010, students may start donating blood at the age of 16 (with parental consent). That leaves a few states left that we would like to see move their donor ages to 16, but we are getting there.

In other news, Kuwait City's blood bank sees an average of 60,000 donors a year. The blood bank is the sole tester and purveyor of healthy blood to all government and private hospitals and clinics in the country. The facility itself is accredited with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Blood Bank. They have received special recognition in 1989 and again in 2009 for their technology and efforts.

On the Technology front, Bio-Key, Inc., has introduced TruDonor ID. With TruDonor ID, blood centers of any size can now have a fast, convenient and accurate method to positively identify donors. Moreover, this new solution was launched following on earlier successes in the blood donor identification market. BIO-key's introduction of this secure Software-as-a-Service donor ID solution is said to enable an affordable, fully supported, web based solution that staff can access from anywhere and at anytime.

Remember, there is always the latest news in the tab on the right - scroll down and be sure to check it out!!

American Red Cross Appreciation Video

I was so excited today when I went to the mailbox to see that my copy of the 2009 Sponsor Appreciation Video by the American Red Cross had arrived!

This video was filmed in September of 2009 and is currently being used in donation centers and sponsorship events in parts of Virginia and North Carolina. This was a wonderful opportunity to thank sponsors, donors, volunteers and many others that give of themselves to save the lives of people like myself.

Now, not being the technical-guru, I need to figure out how to load the video here for you to watch. In the meantime I was able to screen capture a shot - albeit mid sentence/expression! (We must be able to laugh at ourselves even a little!)

I felt so honored to be asked to participate in this PSA with several other blood recipients. We each shared our individual story hoping to encourage others to donate and/or volunteer their sponsorship.

Thank you again to the American Red Cross for including me and my story in their efforts, encouraging just 1 more person to donate will save 2 more lives!

American Red Cross: Giving the Gift of Warmth

I received a fantastic e-mail early this morning and once again, the folks at the American Red Cross truly humble me.

They have asked to use my story in their February "Gift of Warmth" Flyer. Celebrating the Gift of Life and showing appreciation for donors, the ARC (Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Region) will be giving donors fleece blankets with their donations.

While National Blood Donor Month is underway, we still have to gear up for the coming months and what better way than to plan ahead with your donation. You can even make a donation as a Valentine present - what better way to say "I Love You" to someone?

Thank you again to the American Red Cross!

January is National Blood Donor Month

In case you haven't heard already (and if you read my blog regularly you should have!), January 2010 is National Blood Donor Month. The first month of the year has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month since 1970. Start the new year off right by by donating blood to the American Red Cross, Blood Bank of Delmarva or your local blood bank.

Certain criteria has to be met in order for you to donate blood. The most important is that you must be at least 17 (or 16 in some states with parental permission). You must be at least 110 pounds, you should be healthy meaning without infection, not on antibiotics, without a fever, and generally feeling well on day of donation. You may only donate if you have not given blood within 8 weeks. There are additional criteria that must be met, but it is reviewed in detail at the donation site, please be sure to check with each site prior to arriving.

There are numerous links to the right that can link you to the nearest blood drive or blood bank.

Please donate, you never know whose life you're going to save.

Cancer Center Receives Accreditation

Just a quick congrats to offer to the Cancer Center at Lake Manasass which is where I visit my hematologist. They have received an accreditation from the American College of Radiology after an intensive 9-month process. On site reviews of the center's policies, procedures, quality assurance practices and patient care/charts along with electronic medical records.

This facility has been instrumental in my long-term care, Dr. Marsh, has been a true miracle worker. He, along with his colleagues are now the first and only facility in Northern Virginia to utilize the innovative RapidArc radiation therapy. Providing care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment along with the latest technology means that all patients receive top-notch care.

While my exposure to the infusion center is limited in comparison to cancer patients, I am glad to have found a doctor and facility that are on the cutting-edge of research while still keeping the patient first.

Congratulations on your latest accomplishment!

Lifting the Ban on Gay Donors

This is an issue I've discussed before, but it's apparent that other countries are making significant changes in their donation process, so what about the US?

The current US Ban on Gay Blood Donors has been a heated debate for quite some time. In essence, the ban addresses men in same-sex relationships or encounters are ineligible to donate blood. With the rise of HIV/Aids in the last few decades and other blood-related diseases, the blanket ban seemed easiest to politicians as a way to address the need to reduce the risk of disease during a transfusion.

However, on the blood screening end the are numerous tests that can detect infected blood and therefore reject such donations and thus notifying the donor of the issue. As a recipient, like many others, we sign waiver after waiver acknowledging the risks involved with each transfusion including the transfer of Hepatitis, HIV/Aids and other life threatening diseases.

At this time, Canadian Blood Services has lifted the gay ban on bone marrow donors and Sweden has lifted it's blanket ban on gay men donating blood. In New Zealand, GLBT rights group Rainbow Wellington is challenging the NZ Blood Service’s policy of banning sexually active gay men from giving blood regardless of whether they practice safe sex or not.

"Before 2007 a gay man had to abstain from both anal and oral sex for 10 years, regardless of whether he practiced safe sex, in order to give blood.

Under the current guidelines gay men must abstain from any kind of sex for five years, regardless of condom use, before they can donate. (In NZ)

In comparison, heterosexual New Zealanders may give blood regardless of the number of sexual partners they have unprotected sex with, and straight New Zealanders who have slept with, or worked as, sex workers in NZ must only abstain for a year before giving blood regardless of condom use."

Whether one agrees with a particular lifestyle choice is not the issue, but the discrepancies in current NZ law regarding donations by those participating in unprotected sexually activities is startling.

The United States continues to carry a ban on gay-donors. Now HIV/Aids is not restrictive to gay men and should be considered a sexually transmitted disease and not a gay disease. The American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers, two of the nations largest blood supply carriers, have requested that the FDA lift their current ban on gay donors. In 1983 when this ban was enacted, the HIV/Aids epidemic was new and little was known about the disease, therefore making this ban a reactionary effort.

Blood does not discriminate or know sexual orientation. "No healthy and willing donor should ever be turned away,” stated EQCA Executive Director, Geoff Kors. “This policy unnecessarily discriminates against gay and bisexual men as it provides zero additional protection to our blood supply. To the contrary, the result of this discrimination is fewer units of medically necessary blood.”

As an individual that has had the need for transfusions and can not rule out the need in the future, I worry about our current blood supplies. I know that there are many gay men that want to donate but are unable to. I have full confidence and faith in the blood screening process and know that any disease can and will be detected.

Welcome 2010!!

Blessings and best wishes for a joyous New Year! I hope that this year brings you closer to your dreams and sets you towards your goals.

Of course don't forget, that this is a great year to save a life - start donating today and see how much better you will feel - giving back always feels good!

Keep checking back for more updates and news - it's going to be an exciting year for "It's Hip 2 Give"!