New entry on my blog

[WolverineDG]

http://kellyonthecaminofrances.blogspot ... amino.html

I've decided that when I walk the Camino again, I will start once more from Roncesvalles & walk all the way to Santiago. Because of my recent illness, I would like to try to do what Gareth did on his walk, but instead of your money, I want your blood. :twisted: My life was saved because of about 14 or 15 individuals who for whatever reason, decided to donate some blood, which was used to help keep me alive until my surgery, so as a way of saying "thanks," I would like to raise at least 1 donation of blood for every kilometer I walk on my Camino. That's about 750 pints, gang. I hope to be healthy enough & have enough leave time saved up to do this in September 2009. It doesn't matter where you live or when you donate; if you wish to contribute, let me know when you have donated blood & I will make note of it on my blog. This will be on the honor system!

Kelly

 

[sillydoll]

Kelly-girl, I've never given blood but will start - in your name. Will let you know when the first pint is taken!

 

[alipilgrim]

Kelly, what a great, selfless, idea. I'll let you know when I donate too!

 

[crackmrmac]

Hi Kelly, Fair play to you. I hope this motivates many to donate. I haven't done so for quite a few years, but I've made a note to do so in the near future.

Brian

 

[WolverineDG]

Thanks Brian!

Kelly

 

[bpondugula]

Hallo Wolverine

Never gave blood before. I will let you know when i do it.

Regards & Good luck

Bharat

 

[crackmrmac]

Hi Bharat, I'm sure this is good news for Kelly, and Ivar doesn't mind the post being bumped. Donating blood is painless, it merely involves time.

Buen Camino

Brian.

 

[WolverineDG]

Thanks Bharat! It doesn't hurt to give blood, and the person who receives your donation will thank you forever.

Kelly

 

[crackmrmac]

Hi Kelly, I made that donation in early February. I told many people why I was in Dublin. I might get in another donation before you depart!!!
As Johnnie said earlier " Happy St. Patrick's Day "........& all that jazz.

Brian

 

[WolverineDG]

Thanks Brian! 2 down, 748 to go. LOL!

Buen Camino!
Kelly

 

[diaz1350]

This sounds very good. The last time I gave blood , I was given a beer afterwards, later I fainted and fell and the next day I found my recepient died!!!!!!!!!!! :cry: They said I was too SMALL (weight a lot less then - about 52kg) now I am hevier so guess I can give some blood. Will check with the blood bank first and let you know. BUT am not sure about the recipients. Will any one take it? My blood I am refering to.
Regards Begonia

 

[WolverineDG]

Sorry to hear about your recipient, but at least your donation gave them some hope & a chance to recover they wouldn't have had without it (having been on the receiving end, I can vouch for the power of hope & chance). I don't think being having been underweight affects your donation. I think they only count you out if you have the HIV virus or have been exposed to hepotitus or have some other blood disorder. If you don't have anything like that, then your donation will be used gratefully.

Take orange juice with you next time & eat a small salad before you go. Most places in the US won't give you a beer, but they will have juice & cookies to spike your blood sugar so you don't pass out.

 

[Sansthing]

They also don't accept blood from anyone who's had any type of cancer. I had a small malignant skin growth removed a few years ago and now nobody wants my blood :!:

Sandra

 

[Telluridewalker]

Kelly,

I give blood each two months so I'll let you know when the next session is. My dad got me into the habit so if you have any young'ns, bring 'em along and perhaps teach them to be regular donors, too!

(I was also wondering in what context I'd see the "Twisted Evil" smilie- now I know...)

 

[MermaidLilli]

In whichever year it was, I could not give blood until 6 months after I arrived from Spain. Those were the rules. Coming from Europe during the mad cow scare kept me from donating.
Lillian

 

[anniethenurse]

Kelly! my next blood donation will take place next week (they have a lack of blood in the blood banks right now) I will have you in my thoughts.

In June after my camino they have a walking happening in different cities in Sweden called Blodomloppet which means Cirkulation of Blood in English. It's about 5 km (= 3.2 miles) and I'll be walking for you and all those in need of blood transfusion.

annie

 

[WolverineDG]

Well, Annie, thank you so much! Please feel free to share my blog with any friends or family who are also participating, & even the sponsors of the march as well, if that's okay. Thank you thank you thank you!

I'm thinking of starting a group about it on Facebook as well. When I do, I will post here so those of you already on Facebook can join in.

Kelly

 

[JaneB]

I'm another who hasn't donated for years but will start again at the next available opportunity, thanks for giving me the push!

 

[WolverineDG]

Not a problem, Jane! Thank you so much for your donations in the past & for donating again when you get the chance.

Kelly

 

[anniethenurse]

one more pint is donated...
annie

 

[Pacharan]

I gave a pint last month so pls feel free to add to your total....

 

[Telluridewalker]

Gave a pint last Thursday...

 

[j maguire]

Hi Kelly
Have just donated my first pint!

Buen Camino

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi Kelly -

I donate plasma every Wednesday. Does that count in your tally, or are you counting only whole blood?

Thanks for this great project - as you've described, it impacts so many lives!

lynne

 

[WolverineDG]

lynne, I´m counting everything. I´ve met several people who wanted to help out, but for various reasons, cannot donate blood, so I expanded it to doing community service &/or donating to a local charity of your choice. Someone asked me what charity I prefer, which is any animal rescue or shelter operation in your area.

Thanks everyone!

Kelly

 

[Kevin F. O*brien]

Hello Kelly, thinking back to when I first read your appeal I must have given blood three times.
I have been donating blood every three months (Norway) since 1991. Same reason as you really. I was in an accident and nearly drowned when a rib punctured my lung. Got four pints because of other injuries. Anyway, put me down for three!

Best,

Kevin O'brien

 

[WolverineDG]

thanks kevin! will do!

Kelly