I donated blood as soon as I was old enough to. In high school it was easy, without complications. In college it started to become harder, I’d been told multiple times that I was borderline anemic and my iron would disqualify me. Then the weight limit changed and I was under weight so not only was I stuffing myself with beef but trying to stay at weight. It became so frustrating being turned down and coming back 2 days in a row for nothing that I ended up taking a 7 year hiatus.

This past year for lent I decided to try doing something positive instead of giving up something. I went online and made an appointment at the closest donation center and brought my fiance with me, who had never donated before. I knew that I would be turned down so I wanted to bring someone with me every time I tried so at least someone could donate.

It turns none of my friends/colleagues are able/willing to give for a variety of reasons, but it turns out my fiance really enjoyed it and now gives platelets every 2 weeks. Currently I’m turned down for more reasons, my veins have shrunk significantly and the blood volume is usually down as well so if I’m able to get past the first two hurdles, it’s the most anxiety ridden race to fill the bag in time. But, if it doesn’t work out, I’m there to support my fiance and that means every 2 weeks I get the chance to try again. We call them our donor dates, and I look at it as a way to make myself healthier while helping others.

Going to try again next week. So now begins the extra hydrating, increased iron-rich foods and I’m going to try using the medicine ball for weight lifting & see if I can’t get my veins to grow.