URGENT: I couldn't do it....but maybe you can ...until earlier this year, I didn't realize I could do it.

It had been something that I had wanted to do all my life.

But something happened to me when I was 5 years old that prevented me...

...

like I say, until I learned that I could do it...

(But when I tried, I still had one more obstacle to overcome, so I still haven't done it...but maybe you can...)

Besides, I don't have the type that is most in need...

I'm talking about giving blood.

As a Red Cross Volunteer, I get notified of these things...here's the message I received:

The nation's blood banks, represented by the American Association of Blood Banks, the American Red Cross, and America's Blood Centers, are asking for immediate blood donations to boost already critically low blood supplies.

To combat a blood shortage and ensure local patient blood needs are met, the American Red Cross Blood Services Northern California Region is issuing an emergency appeal for Type O-Negative, Type B-Negative and [b]AB-Positive[/b] blood donations. The shortage extends across the country.

We are asking all Chapter volunteers and staff to help by recruiting family, friends, and groups they are affiliated with, to give blood or sponsor a blood drive.

So...please, if you can, see if you can give blood.

The reason I thought I could not give blood was because I had hepatitis A when I was 5 (there was an epidemic). But that is not the case now--they said if I'd had it below a certain age, I can still give--what stopped me when I went to give was my iron was too low.

Those of you who have lists, please send this out to your lists, too.

Thanks...and help someone else Live JoyFully!

Judy  ¶ 6:07 PM