I’ve been donating since June, 2007, and as of early July 2011 I’ve donated 83 times. Yes, it takes time – as long as 2.5 hours from the arrival and interview until post-donation juice and cookies, but it is very worthwhile. Yes, it hurts a bit, but really only for the first few minutes, then it’s smooth sailing – watching a movie, relaxing under blankets. In the Baltimore, MD area where I donate, most donated platelets go to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, where they are used to treat cancer and surgery patients and for cancer research. It’s easy to schedule an appointment – I know that every other Tuesday evening I’ll be donating. I know the small amount of time I can volunteer to do this can mean so much to others in need. So…what are YOU waiting for?