I’ve donated blood before but I guess my fear of needles has prevented me from doing it more often. I think “knowing” someone like Ivy who actually needs the donated blood would encourage me to consider donating again because it seems more real - you know that there really are people out there who rely on your donations, if that makes sense.

Hey, all the very best with this

Being A-, I’ve donated blood many times in the past.

Unfortunately, I’m now excluded because I lived in the UK for more than 6 months during the late ’80s/early ’90s (re. Mad Cow Disease). Although I know I’m not a carrier, I’m still excluded because of the time I spent their on my OE.

You have reminded me to start nagging at my husband again!!! I am a blood donor, but for the last 3 years I have been pregnant, breastfeeding, and now am pregnant again. I have asked him to donate ‘in my place’ as it is something I feel very strongly about. I am yet to work out his reluctance, but will have to start pushing again Thanks for reminding me.

My next appointment is October 23rd. I’m an AB+

They won’t let me, but I’m trying to get Nathan to donate blood. Am seriously thinking of making the appointment and just telling him after the fact.

Great post Tiff …putting it out there again the importance of blood donation.

Well, you know I’m in just as soon as there’s no more flu in my body. I might ring them tomorrow to find out how long I have to wait. I used to donate regularly before kids and overseas travels, but visits to Africa and the Middle East and 2 babies and breastfeeding means I haven’t done so for ages. I think it’s great that you’re highlighting it and definitely knowing someone like Ivy who needs it makes it all feel so much more real and necessary. xx

I wish I could donate blood for Ivy. I’d do it in a heartbeat. Oooo. Heartbeat!

Oh, oh! That’s my hand! I recognise it!

Yes, folks, I am a blood donor. In fact, I have joined the esteemed “Frequent Donor” club. It’s so easy. It doesn’t hurt, it takes about 20 minutes once every 3 months. And the potential impact is MASSIVE.

They say that one blood donation can help save up to three lives. Three lives! How else can I hope to achieve such a feat?

I am a mere mortal. If I can do it, anyone can. I urge everyone who can to give it a try. In fact, it’s amazing how many people are excluded from the process for whatever reason: too young, too old, too anaemic, have lived in the UK during the Mad Cow era…the list goes on.

And? They give you a showbag. Oh yes, they do! It’s all about the showbag. There are lollies, and juice, and muesli bars and what more could you ask for??

I too am a mad cow so can’t donate blood or breastmilk. I am not sure why there is no test to rule out mad cows as I’d be happy to donate as often as possible. I wish I could help.x

There have been a ton of reasons I couldn’t. I was anemic. I was pregnant. I had just had a blood transfusion and had to wait seven years. Thanks for the timely reminder that I can now!

If I donate here in the US, does it impact people, such as Ivy, that are in other countries, other continents? This may be an ignorant question and I plan to donate regardless as there are people in need of it everywhere in the world. I’m fond of Ivy (of what I know about her thru your stories)and it would make me feel good to know that somehow, some way, I’m helping her too.

I totally agree!!! Thank you to ALL blood donors! I actually have no idea how many blood products / transfusions Ky has had in her lifetime… we stopped counting after the open heart surgeries and we were at 18…. I along with you, am so very grateful to those 18 people who chose to save my daughter’s life.

PS to Liz above… it may or may not directly affect Ivy but you are saving someone- like my Kyleigh’s life!!!

This is the beauty of the internet! Not only are you calling to action people who wouldn’t normally donate blood, but you’ve then made an impression on others and you may not even know it! YOU, Tiff, are affecting the lives of people you don’t even know. I am one of them. I’ll save you the long old story, but I am constantly remembering that I’ve promised you I’d donate… and when I get my OWN anemia under control (and the underlying reason!), I’ll be donating!

You are one voice–and you are using it for something that is touching SO MANY.

Well done you - great post to remind people that if they can, they should. I took my daughter with me last time so that she’ll think it’s a normal part of life when she’s a bit bigger (hopefully) and as soon as my son stops running around like a maniac (don’t think they’ll like that in the donor van) I’ll take him to watch me too.

First time here. Visiting from Hyphen Mama. What a beautiful site you have. Your photos are just gorgeous. I would ask how, but after buying the expensive camera I know that it’s a lot more than just switch to this mode or stand under a pretty light. Anyway, yours look great. And yes, i need to donate. It’s been awhile. A long while maybe even.

yes it’s true Blood donors save lives and it’s time to spread the word about blood donation so that we can save lives.