Toni Chanakas · Giving Back

April 18th, 2011

Pin prick after pin prick, I don’t know what compels me every 56 days to give blood. Most of the time it takes two pricks before my iron is high enough to donate blood. Do not be alarmed; I am not anemic or anything. The Red Cross needs a higher than normal iron level to accept your blood. In preparation for this event, I eat an increase amount of legumes, raisins, oat meal and meat (I don’t eat as much as I used to). In spite of the minimal discomfort, it is definitely worth it in the end. I have a feeling of joy when I head to the juice and cookie table thinking that I just helped “Save a Life.”

Again, I don’t know why I have this nagging feeling that I need to at least offer my one pint of O-Positive blood. I’m healthy, and very fortunate than most that I can wake up every morning and walk out my side door. There are so many Ohioans who, quite frankly, do not have that luxury. They spend countless hours in the hospital waiting for people like me to hand them the “gift” of life. Why should I be so thoughtless since God gave me my health – the gift of life– not to give something back?

I guess one reason that compels me to do something to help save a life is because both of my parents are gone. Seven years ago, I lost my mom to the horrendous disease of cancer. I was one of those people who understands that going in and out of a hospital is very difficult for an entire family not to mention the pain the patient suffers. It’s stressful and filled with anxiety seeing your loved one hope for a miracle. If I could have given my mother any of my organs to save her life, I would have done it hands down. Consequently, there was nothing that could be done when you get 4th-Stage, Colon cancer. Thankfully, other individuals like myself filled those pints of blood so she can live a while longer.

As I sat in many waiting rooms plus listening to the many NPR stories about the endless waiting lists for tissue and organ donation, my heart goes out to those families. I have the “heart” organ donor logo on my driver’s license; and, I really can’t remember when I decided to do it. The way I look at it, I will not need any of my organs when I’m six feet under. Why not offer them to a child or a spouse or father . . . the list goes on and on to those in need. The thought of useful, viable organs being thrown away is such a waste when thousands await patiently. I have spent the last several years watching what I eat plus exercising; so when I die, just take what you need –Please!

There are also new opportunities to donate bone marrow that is less evasive than it used to be. That is another thing I would like to learn more about. Furthermore, a documentary film at the Cleveland International Film Festival, “More to Live For,” discussed that very topic. There are so many ways to help – Save a Life.
http://www.marrow.org/index.html
I enthusiastically say “Yes” to organ donation. I am helping to spread the word for an awareness campaign in April: “Don’t Let Another Chair Go Empty” please register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, now at www.DonateLifeOhio.org. You can Friend on Facebook what the Green Chair symbolizes.

I don’t want others to go through what I’ve witnessed by having a memory of that “empty chair.” It’s simple. Do your part and help Save a Life!

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