Blood is an essential part of human life.
Donating blood can help people who are wounded, have undergone physical trauma, suffering from chronic-illness or undergoing surgical procedures. World Blood Donor Day takes place every year on the 14th of June. This day is marked to thank all donors and encourage more people to donate blood. This can be a scary process for some of us, but it never fails to create an impact on our lives and remains unforgettable.
Let's hear it from our Rotaractors' who have shared their testimonials below on their experience in donating blood.
“My very first step of donation started from a private project organized by my office collaborating with the blood bank. Where we gathered 100s of volunteers. For some, it was their first time and for some it was their 20th. I was a little nervous since it was my first-time donating blood. But a nurse mentioned that every single drop of blood that someone donates can save another humans life somewhere. Her words inspired me to continue my journey and here I am after two years being an active member of a worthy cause of saving lives ♥.
The thought that comes to my mind that I might save another person's life makes me feel privileged and yes I really like the feeling of knowing that my blood is going to be hanging on a stand somewhere and that blood is giving someone a better chance of surviving. The best part is you can save a life without needing any fancy qualification or training. Every life is precious and if all humans can do a small part in saving at least one life, then we can consider it an act of humanity.”
- Rtr Manoraj Rajarathnam
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“Back in 2009, I started as a blood donor at my school camp, Hartley College. Now I'm proud to say that I am the founder of the save a life organization. Save a life is neither a profit-making organization nor an entity with hidden benefits. It is purely a community-oriented establishment, though it is founded by an individual. We connect donors and people in need and their details are kept highly confidential. People in need of either blood or organs can search for donors based on the location and blood group to get connected.
Even though it has to be once every six months. Some of us who are fit enough have been donating blood once every 3 months. Till date I have donated 36 times and will continue to do more. Through my small action I am able to save many lives. The satisfaction knowing that you are helping those you don't know is a feel of its own that cannot be expressed through words but can only be felt. I am glad to take part continuously. I would encourage everyone to become a blood donor and to help save lives.”
Even though it has to be once every six months. Some of us who are fit enough have been donating blood once every 3 months. Till date I have donated 36 times and will continue to do more. Through my small action I am able to save many lives. The satisfaction knowing that you are helping those you don't know is a feel of its own that cannot be expressed through words but can only be felt. I am glad to take part continuously. I would encourage everyone to become a blood donor and to help save lives.”
- Rtr Rakulan Kandasamy
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“Hi, I'm a doctor by profession and donated blood on several occasions. When I was in 1st year Medical school, there was an announcement stating 5year old B negative group thalassemia child needs some pints of blood urgently. I was anxious and scared at first, but my friends were encouraging me to do so. In the blood bank, the experiences I had was extremely different than what I thought. During the procedure what I had to do is just squeeze the ball to enhance the blood flow. At the end of the day I had that wonderful feelings like I have saved a child's life in some manner. Now I have registered in national blood donation programs and donating blood or blood products on SOS basis. I would like to encourage people who are willing to donate blood in order to save poor lives.”
- Rtr Prabavan Markandayar
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But today I am going to tell you all a story which I believe changed my life from inside. It was the second time in 2015 when I willingly went to donate blood. One fine morning when I was at a lecture one of my very close friend called me to talk about an urgent situation and explained that one of his uncles has to go through a surgery.
His only request was to find a blood donor so that the surgery could be successfully completed. At first, I wasn’t quite sure about this scenario and to be honest scared to the core because the first time was not me willingly doing it. But then something struck me, all my life I only wanted to do something my mind said its impossible. A person daring to take risks, even though this is not even one, wanted to take that leap of faith.
I walked up to my friend and said I will donate a pint. And the process began. I have never been happier in my entire life than on that day. I felt complete the moment the needle came out of my skin and I saw my blood being taken to help survive another life.
Not to mention I fainted shortly, haha. But ever since then I have the feeling of a complete person and all I have to ever say is believe in yourself and take that leap of faith. Donate blood! Save lives!”
- Rtr Frank Sugirthan Joseph
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“First time I felt nervous to enter a blood donation center and it was completely a new experience and kind of scary due to the procedure which I had no clue of.
Then when I saw the big needle it was way too scary but then you are damn lucky if you were assisted by a well experienced staff, because they know how to tackle it without pain. You will feel something going out of body but its a good feeling - the feeling of satisfaction because you’re saving someone’s life, the feeling of making a difference in someone else’s life.”
- Rtr Azam Khan
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