ABBEY: I missed the whole 2016 to donate blood. So I'm really excited when Wilma schedule our donation February 2017. Yes, "our" donation.
She will give some of her blood too. This is my fourth time while hers is first. I always tell her that it will be fine and it will finish fast. I'm proud of her accomplishment to conquer her fear of needles and for us to help the community. This will be our regular contribution. I wanted to give back as my mother was a recipient for blood transfusion after her operation due to breast cancer.
Read my wife's story below.
WILL: I totally hate needles poking my skin. I do not like to look on blood flowing out of a body. But I know that one of the greatest thing to share is my own blood.
This is the challenge stated by Abbey in exchange of my Marathon dare. But I pushed it until Feb of 2017 to condition myself and to give a face-to-face battle with my fear.
Broccoli, spinach, chicken and pork liver are on our weekly menu list to boost up our iron in our blood. We slept 8-10 hours every day and make it sure to hit the road or gym twice a week for our exercise.
We supposedly scheduled to have it by Saturday, but we went one day earlier, 3rd Feb. (Please take note to ladies that you cannot donate blood if you are having your menstruation) We filled-up our form, the concierge key-in our details on Red Cross Singapore database, went to room number 2 to check our BP, weight and if we understood the questioners given on the form. Next room, they will get few samples for me them to see if your hemoglobin passed the count.
Few minutes later, I am sitting inside the room waiting having an eye contact and exchanging smiles with the other donors. Oh! I have a badge that it will be my first time to donate blood. :)
The attendant compared my veins from my right and left arm and decided to take on my right. She applied alcohol, open up an anaesthesia, she waited for a minute and viola! I saw how big the hole of the needle that will sip out my blood. Instead of looking away (my usual thing), I stared into the needle and the memory is vividly clear how it went in to my arm and the blood start to run down on the tube. Haha! It is indeed a an achievement for me. Facing one of my greatest fear. Now I am officially a BLOOD HERO!
Blood represents life and it is not only great but holy to give a part of you... part of your body with someone in need.
Can You Donate Blood?
There are some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to become a blood donor.
You may become a donor if you:
1. Aged between 16 and 60 (Youths aged 16 and 17 will need to complete and bring a signed parental consent form)
2. Weigh at least 45kg
3. In good health
4. Do not have any symptoms of infection (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea) for at least one week
did not have fever in the last three weeks
5. Have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5g/dl (A test will be administered by trained nurses at the donation site) Click here for more information about haemoglobin levels.
6. If foreign worker, pass must be valid at least 4-months.
7. You should not donate blood during pregnancy or menstrual period.
8. Traveled outside Singapore? Check how many weeks/months you can be qualified before the day of donation.
The Donation Process
The whole donation process involves just six simple steps and takes an average of 45 minutes to complete:
1. Form Filling (5 mins)
2. Registration (5 mins)
3. Medical Screening (10-15 mins)
4. Haemoglobin Check (5 mins)
5. Blood Donation (10-15 mins)
6. Rest and Refreshment (15 mins)
Light refreshments will be provided while you rest for 10-15 minutes. This is to ensure that you feel well before leaving the blood collection site.
She will give some of her blood too. This is my fourth time while hers is first. I always tell her that it will be fine and it will finish fast. I'm proud of her accomplishment to conquer her fear of needles and for us to help the community. This will be our regular contribution. I wanted to give back as my mother was a recipient for blood transfusion after her operation due to breast cancer.
Read my wife's story below.
WILL: I totally hate needles poking my skin. I do not like to look on blood flowing out of a body. But I know that one of the greatest thing to share is my own blood.
This is the challenge stated by Abbey in exchange of my Marathon dare. But I pushed it until Feb of 2017 to condition myself and to give a face-to-face battle with my fear.
Broccoli, spinach, chicken and pork liver are on our weekly menu list to boost up our iron in our blood. We slept 8-10 hours every day and make it sure to hit the road or gym twice a week for our exercise.
We supposedly scheduled to have it by Saturday, but we went one day earlier, 3rd Feb. (Please take note to ladies that you cannot donate blood if you are having your menstruation) We filled-up our form, the concierge key-in our details on Red Cross Singapore database, went to room number 2 to check our BP, weight and if we understood the questioners given on the form. Next room, they will get few samples for me them to see if your hemoglobin passed the count.
Few minutes later, I am sitting inside the room waiting having an eye contact and exchanging smiles with the other donors. Oh! I have a badge that it will be my first time to donate blood. :)
The attendant compared my veins from my right and left arm and decided to take on my right. She applied alcohol, open up an anaesthesia, she waited for a minute and viola! I saw how big the hole of the needle that will sip out my blood. Instead of looking away (my usual thing), I stared into the needle and the memory is vividly clear how it went in to my arm and the blood start to run down on the tube. Haha! It is indeed a an achievement for me. Facing one of my greatest fear. Now I am officially a BLOOD HERO!
Blood represents life and it is not only great but holy to give a part of you... part of your body with someone in need.
***
Singapore Red Cross - Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut
(A) Dhoby Xchange (Near Exit B) #B1-05/06/07/08/09 11 Orchard Road
(H)Monday to Wednesday, and Friday: 12pm to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday and Public Holidays: Closed
New Year Eve, Chinese New Year Eve and Christmas Day Eve: 9am to 2pm
Can You Donate Blood?
There are some basic requirements you need to fulfill in order to become a blood donor.
You may become a donor if you:
1. Aged between 16 and 60 (Youths aged 16 and 17 will need to complete and bring a signed parental consent form)
2. Weigh at least 45kg
3. In good health
4. Do not have any symptoms of infection (e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea) for at least one week
did not have fever in the last three weeks
5. Have a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5g/dl (A test will be administered by trained nurses at the donation site) Click here for more information about haemoglobin levels.
6. If foreign worker, pass must be valid at least 4-months.
7. You should not donate blood during pregnancy or menstrual period.
8. Traveled outside Singapore? Check how many weeks/months you can be qualified before the day of donation.
The Donation Process
The whole donation process involves just six simple steps and takes an average of 45 minutes to complete:
1. Form Filling (5 mins)
2. Registration (5 mins)
3. Medical Screening (10-15 mins)
4. Haemoglobin Check (5 mins)
5. Blood Donation (10-15 mins)
6. Rest and Refreshment (15 mins)
Light refreshments will be provided while you rest for 10-15 minutes. This is to ensure that you feel well before leaving the blood collection site.