I donate blood once a month.
I started donating when I was 18, mainly because of my mother's example. I've grown into this habit without asking.
My blood type is AB+. At some point in time, somebody told me that it is rare and it can only be given to AB+ others unless it is processed to use its plasma. AB plasma is universal and can be used for all patients regardless of their blood type. That same somebody also suggested me to start donating plasma. I soon started.
When you donate plasma, a needle is placed in a vein in your arm. Your blood is collected and then separated into its components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. All but the plasma is then returned to you through that same needle and fluids are given to help replace the plasma. It takes way more time than donating the whole blood.
I've never questioned the habit of donating blood, but I know it wasn't because of the habit that I switched to plasma donation.
Why I donate blood? I mean, I don't like people. Why help them?
Donating blood is good for health and provides a free blood test. Nonetheless, I could earn the same benefits donating the whole blood every three months.
So, again. Why help people? Why help that person? I realized it today.
People fighting disease often starts to value love and life more.
I want to be there. I want to connect. Someway.
