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Health & Fitness

Giving Blood: No Truer Act of Kindness

Making "acts of kindness" a permanent part of daily living? Start the New Year with the ultimate act of kindness and donate blood. It's the easiest and most direct way to save a life.

It's a new year and a new beginning! Many of you are thinking about the acts of kindness you performed in 2012 and wonder how you can make those acts a permanent part of your life. How about starting 2013 with the ultimate act of kindness and donating blood at the January 29, 2013 Bellerose Avenue Blood Drive? There is no easier or more direct way to help save a life!

4.5 million Americans benefit from life saving blood transfusions every year. In fact, a life saving transfusion of blood is required every 3 seconds in the United States. According to the New York Blood Center, they require over 2000 volunteer blood donations each day to meet the transfusion needs of patients in close to 200 New York and New Jersey hospitals. Blood products are perishable so the need for new donations is constant! And ONE donation can help save up to THREE lives.

These Americans you are helping with your blood donations aren't just the patients in the emergency room. They are your neighbors receiving blood transfusions to help with their cancer treatment. They are your parents who are undergoing hip or knee replacements. They are everyone, everywhere.

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This cause is personal for me. In 2005, I was rushed to the hospital in need of emergency surgery. Thanks to donors, I  received blood during surgery as well as two transfusions after. Because of their generosity, I was able to recover and go home to my then 18 month old son. I never anticipated needing a blood transfusion and because of my blood type, no one in my family could donate. I relied on the help of anonymous blood donors and perhaps, someday, you will too.

Blood donation is safe, easy, and quick. You even get a free "mini-physical" as your blood pressure and iron levels will be checked before donating. The donation process is 15-20 minutes of peace and quiet. You can bring a book, or play that game app you never have time for. Juice and cookies will be provided after your donation. You will leave knowing your donation will contribute to making the world a better place for a neighbor who needs a blood transfusion.

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So if you are between 17(parental permission required) and 75, weigh at minimum of 110 pounds and are in good health, please make an appointment to donate blood this January (further information about eligibility can be found at: http://nybloodcenter.org). If you would like to make an appointment to come to Bellerose Avenue Elementary School on Jan. 29 between 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. please call Shawne Albero at (631) 327-2051. Every pint counts!
If you can't donate, tell a friend or family member in the Northport/East Northport community know that they can make a huge difference in someone's life by donating blood. It's not only an act of kindness- blood donation is an act of heroism. 

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