Dear Fred, Ann and neighbors, I am also a disqualified, multi-gallon donor. While I have recovered from Hepatitis, I test positive for the antibodies. And since I can't give, I raise awareness.
Each restriction has a reason. If enough "safe" blood can be stored than donors won't fear that the cost of a few extra years is to die later of "AIDS", or "Mad Cow" or "Hepatitis". While practicing gay men can not give. They can and do receive. Now that you and Gary are "Fifty Somethings" the odds of needing blood may increase. I can no longer give, but am amazed that just in my own family, at least three people have been saved, to recover, because some generous donor made time to give blood. Hopefully, a better balance between risk and restriction can be found, but in the meantime, we might want to focus on sending those who meet the Red Cross's "low risk" definitions to give blood. The rest of us can promote this work and hand out the juice and the donuts. My Larry is an 0-. He is the "Universal Donor". He gives every 56 days. And has even been tapped for an extra half pint during a few pediatric emergencies. I am proud of his generosity. The stick means nothing to him, for him it is finding the time to get down to Northern Liberties to make the donation. The SFDS drive brings the opportunity to our home court. It is in our best and future interests to support it. Best! Liz ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
