There Will be Blood 1

24 November 2012Katie R, Mackenzie ‘13

Some faint at the sight of blood. Mythical creatures drink it. Carrie was doused in it. Shakespeare’s Macbeth was covered with it, but the reality is, blood is just another liquid of life.

For some, it is also a savior.

52% of Canadians have needed blood products as the result to either surgery or medical treatment. Much of the blood donated goes to cancer patients, many suffering from leukemia, a common cancer found in children. Without donated blood, those rushing into the ER of a hospital after a vicious car accident would be without hope. Blood donors are essential to our society.

On Halloween, and November 1st, Brentwood students participated in the Brentwood Blood Clinic. I did. Being my first time, since I am freshly seventeen, I was extremely nervous. My anxiety built as I waited in line. My finger was pricked and my iron levels were tested. The truth of the situation was that the small, insignificant pin they prodded into my finger to draw blood was the most painful part of the experience.

I watched as my friend, Joel C, got a needle stuck in his arm, and examined, feverishly, as the blood began pumping out of his body. He was happily playing Temple Run on his iPhone, not bothered at all.

I’ve always been nervous around needles. They come across as daunting and my stomach trembles. Going into the clinic, I was nervous.

I barely felt a thing.

Knowing I would help someone was the motivator. People refuse to donate because they are scared it will hurt, or that they will faint, or they don’t like the sight of blood.

These are all the wrong reasons to not donate: for the slight discomfort of a needle in your arm drawing blood for a few minutes, you could save a life.

If you are too scared of needles, suck it up. Imagine being on the other side, receiving a blood transfusion that will save your life, having multiple needles in your body pumping a strangers’ blood into you. That blood has to come from somewhere.

Not everyone can donate, but for those that can, why not? You can brag that you lost a pint of blood and survived, or that you, at least once, donated blood. Not only is it an impressive feat, what you are truly doing is helping others. Donating blood is the easiest philanthropic initiative you can take; it doesn’t cost you money, just fifteen minutes of time and a bit of plasma.

To all members of the Brentwood community, faculty, staff, students, alumni, if you are able (and over the age of seventeen) I urge you, I dare you, to take the challenge and donate your blood. What is stopping you?

Katie R, Mackenzie ‘13