I then answered a few questions regarding travel and personal associations, all of which is strictly confidential. I was first seated in a private cubicle by a young, attractive phlebotomist named Alethea , who pricked my finger (felt like a sharp snap, not particularly painful) and took a speck of blood, which she tested for adequate iron. My name was called and I entered the bus. His family and friends did him proud that day.Īs I waited my turn, I marveled at the resiliency of the human spirit and at the ability of this lovely family to turn tragedy into hope for others. He was obviously much loved and is deeply missed by all who knew him. Mark had worked at Diamondback Police Supply, which is why the location was so appropriate. Though he eventually succumbed, his family wished to give back and to help save the lives of others in his name. Mark Belhumeur (known for remarking ’you are a scholar and a gentleman’ when introduced to someone new) had recieved the gift of blood while battling his illness. It was.īarbara and Larry Belhumeur lost their son, Holly’s husband, to a devastating illness recently and this was a memorial blood drive. I asked Barbara if this was a special event. Everyone was smiling, everyone was hugging, with special attention paid to Holly, who was stationed at the sign-in table, as well as to Barbara and a gentleman named Larry. I soon noticed everyone seemed to know one another and there was a sense of something special happening in the air. I was given material to read, and since I had no appointment, I sat down to wait my turn. I parked my car and walked over to the sign-in sheet where I was greeted by Barbara Belhumeur. I decided to see if I could donate there, since it appeared a blood drive was underway. I was headed for the American Red Cross building in Tucson when I spotted a Red Cross mobile unit about a block away, next to Diamondback Police Supply. Newly informed, I set out last Saturday to donate blood. (Your donated blood has been used or has expired 11 days before you are eligible to donate again in 56 days, which explains why it is necessary for the American Red Cross to call upon its donors so often.) Just a few are carrying the load for the many and the daily struggle to meet the demand of hospitals for blood is constant. Also, red blood cells are refrigerated and have a shelf life of only 45 days. I was so wrong.īlood donors make up a mere 5% of the 38% of Americans eligible to donate. I thought surely they always have plenty of blood on hand.
I thought they froze the blood and stockpiled it for future use. I figured he was representing our family and we were doing our part. My husband, Bruce, has been donating blood for over 10 years. Consider scheduling an appointment today. During the holiday season there is always a significant drop in blood donations, when demand is especially high. * this post came to us from the blog of Cindy Haskins Monro, in Arizona.