INCEPT: A Donor's Story

Just a few weeks ago, I introduced you to Incept and their efforts to increase blood donors and to Stephanie Stanley, a CME at Incept. Now, hear her story on why she donates and how it all began.

When I was asked if I wanted to write a blog for It's Hip 2 Give, I leapt at the chance. I didn’t know what I would write, but I knew I wanted to write something profound, something that would leave an impression. Unfortunately, after several days of thinking and with my deadline fast approaching, I was having a hard time coming up with something.

I went from topic to topic but nothing seemed quite right. Finally, I decided I was trying too hard.

Everyone has their own reason for donating blood. For some people, it’s because they or someone they love has needed blood and by donating themselves, they can in part repay the kindness they were shown by blood donors.

For others, they take the initiative and step up to the plate because they want to do something selfless. In my opinion, these people are truly heroes. They donate blood simply because they want to help others.

As for myself, I couldn’t really pick one reason why I donate.

The first time I ever had the opportunity to donate blood was when a blood mobile came to my school. I was a Jr. At Minerva High School, busy with marching band, choir and friends, but it seemed like a good chance to get out of class for a bit, which was always a plus. I talked a couple of my friends into accompanying me and off we went to the gym.

Of the three of us who went, one of us passed out, (thankfully not me) but all and all it was a good experience. I donated one or two more times in high school, but it wasn’t really until college that I stopped to actually think about what it meant to be a blood donor.

I am studying to be a nurse and it was in my Anatomy and Physiology class that I first learned that about once every two seconds1, someone in the US needs a blood transfusion. I did the math and it came out to 43,200 units of blood in one day. Needless to say I was staggered by the amount of blood needed in our country alone. I started researching all of the statistics I could find on blood donation and blood types, dusting off the donor card I’d gotten in high school to look into my own blood type to see how many people in the US who shared it with me. (I’m A- which 1 in 16 people are)

Needless to say, after all of that, I was at the next blood drive at my college. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I learned about Incept and the work they do recruiting blood donors. I decided that it was a great chance for me to get even more involved and take my commitment to the next level.

All in all, I guess donate mostly because I can when a lot of people either can’t or won’t and because of how badly it’s needed. I went from donating just to get out of class in high school to donating as often as I can because I believe in what I’m doing. Besides, you never know if it’ll be you or a loved one who needs blood!

Stephanie Stanley
Internet Conversational Marketing Expert
Incept
www.inceptsaves.com

The Society of 100 (and a few Olympians)

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.

The Heroes of the Summer

The end of summer can only mean one thing (besides groaning children heading back to school) - that it's also the end of the 8th Annual Summer Blood Challenge by the Blood Bank of Delmarva!

Carrie Baker at the BBD had asked me to speak at the event some time back and I was so excited and didn't want to miss the opportunity. Little did I know that it would be the 2nd event in a 5 day trek that took more than 2,000 miles. Thank goodness I had a riding partner in my mom and a selection of music/books on cd to pass the time. I digress....

When asked to share my story, I am always elated to help educate on the need - except this group of attendees was well aware of the need as they had been working for months to donate and win the challenge. There was a very involved points system that accounted for donations, new blood donor members, company size and more.

I was rather impressed with the companies on the participation list - the largest of which was Amazon.com - but the companies in general ranged from micro-sized (under 100) and city/county/stage government sectors. There was wide spread enthusiasm by all participants and employers were rewarding their employees as encouragement. Some were given credits for days off others offered monetary incentives. Whether motivated by tangible reward or the gift of the heart, there were thousands of lives saved through this year's challenge.

I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with Robert Travis, President/CEO of BBD, Richard Pearce, Chair of the Executive Board and Diane Sparks, Immediate Past Chair along with many others. It was a humbling experience to me to share dinner and conversation with those so directly involved in the efforts to save lives.

As the Summer Blood Challenge increases with each year, I am positive that 2011 will bring in more donations, more members, and more lives saved - all because someone gave an hour of their time.



Photos: Top - pictured w/Carrie Baker; Bottom: pictured with Dick Pearce (L) and Bob Travis (R)

Are You My Type?

After attending the Broadcasters for Blood Event and connecting with Marly Fausz of VA Blood Services, she asked if I would share my story for their "Are You My Type?" campaign. Of course I said yes - and then, the invitation to appear in a commercial. Really? I eagerly said yes and off we went.

We started early alongside the James River in Richmond, VA. It's rather scenic and there were even several gentleman taking the time to fish and enjoy the fabulous weather. Not growing up in Richmond, I of course did not know that it's rather common to have late night adventures and parties down by the river - as evidenced in the remnants from the night(s) prior. I'd like to think if you go there to party there would be no footprint, however, I'm assuming that those that partied there were lucky to make it out on time and coherent. I digress -

I had to deliver "my story" in 30 seconds. I wondered if that was possible, but then I realized just the bullet points are necessary to entice others to donate blood - it wasn't scripted and yes, I shot it over...and over...and over. I am confident the outtakes could provide enough belly laughs that we could burn 1,000 calories in ten minutes.

The team from CBS6 were just delightful and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process - afterall, they are the pros! I have not seen the final edit just yet on the commercial but will share it with everyone once I receive it. It will be airing on CBS6 throughout Richmond and it's marketshare in Central Virginia.

After the shoot, Marly graciously took me on a tour of the VBS facility in Richmond. I was in awe of the process that the donated blood takes after being received and the amount of time, effort, and love that goes into each and every pint received. There is no doubt that the team at VBS cares deeply for it's donors and recipients.

Thank you to Virginia Blood Services for this amazing opportunity and I look forward to many more opportunities together.

6th Annual Blood Collectors Week

National Blood Collectors Week is a wonderful way to recognize the people that are involved in every aspect of saving thousands of lives everyday. Blood collection professionals are the connection between blood donors and the life-saving blood therapies people rely on every day. After a long holiday weekend like Labor Day in the United States, when donors are in short supply and accidents are typically on the rise, blood donation is even more important – and so is the job of blood-collection professionals.

Blood-collection professionals will be recognized in communities worldwide September 12-18, 2010, as part of the 6th Annual Blood Collectors Week, sponsored jointly by Fenwal Inc. and AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). During the week, blood centers will host celebrations, often with local government officials, to recognize their staffs and donors. Individuals are encouraged to give back to their respective communities and honor these professionals by contacting their local blood collection facility to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

According to AABB data, approximately 30 million blood components are transfused annually in the United States alone. Blood transfusions are a critical component in the treatment of patients with serious medical conditions, from cancer to major surgery, as well as accident and trauma victims. People typically receive transfusions of red blood cells, platelets or plasma. Red blood cells are the most frequently needed blood component.

Blood collectors serve an important role helping individuals select the best donation option based on local blood supply needs, their blood type and donor qualifications. Type O negative is the universal blood type for red cells, and type AB is the universal blood type for platelets and plasma. To donate blood, one must be healthy, and meet age, weight and other donor requirements.

To contact a local blood center or to learn more about blood donation, visit www.aabb.org


Information provided by PRNewswire/AABB

More Hip 2 Know Facts

It's been a while since I covered some facts about the need for blood, so I thought I would offer some of the benefits to donating blood. Yes there are benefits! And these are benefits beyond the paid time off work to donate; the juice/cookies afterwards; or the joy that you feel for saving someone's life. There are genuine health benefits to donating blood.

Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack
Improve your cardiovascular health overall by donating blood. It is reported that regular blood donors who donate regularly over years have an 88 percent lower risk of heart attacks and a 33 percent lower risk of any severe cardiovascular event, such as a stroke. (Well, I think that's rather fantastic in my book!)

Replenish Your Blood Supply
Help your body function more efficiently by allowing it to replenish your blood supply regularly. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that when you donate blood, your body replaces the blood volume within 48 hours of donation, and all of the red blood cells you lose during donation are completely replaced within four to eight weeks. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently and productively.

Lower Iron Levels
Lower the iron levels in your body every time you give blood, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. According to CNN, high blood iron levels have the potential to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because iron accelerates the oxidation process of cholesterol in the body, which damages arteries. Iron levels aren't the only factor that plays a role in a person's risk of heart disease, but there are certainly no downsides to lowering blood iron levels by donating blood regularly.

So there are just 3 more Hip Facts 2 Know why you, the donor, will feel better about donating. Donate Today - Feel Better Today - Any questions?

A Beachn' Good Blood Drive

Life on the Outer Banks of North Carolina always includes a lot of sun, fun, sand, and surf. Of course, if you have been a long time follower here, you know that my parents live there and it's been a generational-family summer destination for more than 50 years. So, as locals, it's always good to give back to the community. Of course, what better way than through a blood drive!

My mom is a member of the Outer Banks Women's Club and each year they hold a drive - this year was more special, in my eyes, because my mom was the primary coordinator for the event. This year, the event was in honor of Dan Ottavio, who was the owner of several Dairy Queens on the island and who passed away in May from Pancreatic Cancer. Dan's wife, Evelyn, attended and participated in the drive.

Now there was cause for concern late last week - with Earl barrelling down on the island for a direct hit, we were crossing our fingers and praying that there would not be significant evacuations and/or damage.

(Evelyn pictured at left)

The drive opened with 12 people waiting to start and stayed strong throughout the day. With food provided by local restaurants, these were likely some of the best fed donors around. My mom worked extremely hard to secure several giveaways, including a fishing pole, that donors could win.

St. Andrew's was kind enough to host the drive, the same church where Mr. Ottavio's service was held just a few months ago. What an opportunity to save the lives of 203+ people in his honor. Big Dan, as he was called, was a man of character and heart - I am certain he would be proud of the drive.

Now, it wouldn't be right if I didn't include this picture of my mom. She is certainly one of my biggest supporters in my mission to raise donor awareness, but she is also one of my heroes. Always eager to assist with a smile, she is first in line and last to leave, and by far, the best mother anyone could ever ask for (ok, so I am a TAD, biased!). (And she took all of this on the day before her birthday, watch out dad, no big parties, she might want to rest!)

Faith in Blood

Surely religion is a sensitive topic for some, joyous for others and non-existent for more. The topic of having a blood transfusion is even more obscure for several religious sects, which provides fodder for controversy every day.

There is article after article citing the ways and reasons to subject one's self to a blood-free treatment plan. Then there are articles that oppose that path. Whose decision is it? The adult patient can clearly make that decision for themselves based on information provided by doctors and/or faith. But in the case of a child/minor, are the parents best equipped to make that decision or the medical community? This is another question that ignites parties on both sides.

I was recently asked my very opinion on this subject. I first needed to educate myself on where this practice, based upon religious views, came from. Of course, in research, that lead me to the Bible.

In several faiths they suggest that Acts 15:19-21,28 is the reason they refuse to accept blood donations. Acts 15:20 says, "Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood." From my viewpoint, this does not address blood transfusions, after all, that technology was not available in the day that this was written, but is directly related to ingesting blood through dietary means.

There are many procedures that require a blood transfusion or the possiblity of having one. There are plenty of court cases where the medical community must act on behalf of a minor - but adults, are free to choose - unless of course it's an emergency. There are wrist bands, key chains, etc... for individuals to wear in order to make it known they refuse all blood products.

Obviously, I am a supporter, believer and have faith in blood products. I also believe that that your faith should guide in your personal decisions of daily life or care. It comes to a matter of conscience on whether you should personally have a blood transfusion - make the decision based on your beliefs and if you are prepared to LIVE or DIE with the consequences.