“Blood is a lifeline and its value is only recognized when we are in need of it to save the lives of our near and dear ones “
“Do you feel you don’t have much to offer? You have the most precious resource of all: the ability to save a life by donating blood! Help share this invaluable gift with someone in need”.
“If you’re a blood donor, you’re a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life. The finest gesture one can make is to save life by donating Blood. The blood donor of today may be recipient of tomorrow”
Mangaluru: When we donate blood, one may ask-Where would our blood be going? Who would be helped by it? The answer is simple, your blood could save a life of a mother? A father? A son or daughter? A baby? An adult? A person battling cancer, sickle cell disease or maybe a person involved in a vehicle accident? Blood donation is a simple, four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments. It is a safe process, and a sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-15 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour and 20 minutes. The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body. Roughly one pint is given during a donation. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days. Five-10 minutes of one blood donor’s time + 350 ml. of blood = One life saved ! The blood that these 27 donors surely did gave someone another chance at life. One day that someone may be their close relative, a friend, a loved one—or even one of them. By donation of blood meant a few minutes to them, but a lifetime for somebody else.
And that’s what exactly took place at Milagres College Hall when National Service Scheme, Youth Red Cross Unit, Milagres College, Media Alumni Association of Mangalagangothri and Lions Club Mangaluru-Nethravathi in association with Indian Red Cross Society Blood Bank-Mangaluru organized a “Mega Blood Donation Camp” on Saturday, 22 August at Milagres College Auditorium.
After seeking God’s blessings through prayers, Rev Fr Michael Santhumayor-Principal of Milagres College welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests. The Blood Donation camp was inaugurated by State Health Minister UT Khader by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais namely-Jacintha Alfred-Mayor of MCC, Rev Fr Valerian D’Souza-Correspondent, Milagres Educational Institutions, Ronald Fernandes- Chairman-IRCS, Blood Bank, Savil Mascarenhas- Member, Milagres College Managing Committee, Peter Pinto- President, JCI-Mangaluru-Lalbagh, Prabhakar Shriyan- Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society BB-Mangaluru, Ln Mandakini Upadhaya- President, Lions Club Mangaluru- Nethravathi and Jackson- YRC Volunteer, Milagres College.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred addressing the audience highlighted the importance of blood donation, and blood being the most precious thing in this world a human being have, convinced the audience to come forward and donate blood, thereby save some precious lives. Rev Fr Valerian D’Souza speaking said, ” Wenlock Hospital being our neighbour, we should love our neighbour, by donating as much blood we can. I urge the staff and students to come forward generously and donate blood to the Wenlock blood bank, so that many lives could be save when patients are in desperate need of blood”
Addressing the gathering Minister UT Khader said, “Blood donation is a noble service by which needy persons could be helped. Blood donation plays an vital role in saving the lives of three persons in one single unit of blood. By being ready to donate blood you students have showed that we all are one because the collected blood will help the person in need the save his / her life whether they belonged to any community or religion. The youth of this country are doing yeomen service through blood donation camps. I urge everyone to donate more blood, so that more lives are saved-thank you”. About 75 persons donated blood, handled well by the staff of Indian Red Cross Society-Blood Bank Mangaluru . The formal programme was compered by Sowmya Kotian-Lecturer in Kannada, Milagres College, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Mamatha NR- YRC-Programme Officer-Milagres College.
In conclusion- some of you may ask – Why Donate Blood? You don’t need a special reason to give blood; you just need your own reason. Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend. Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Some believe it is the right thing we do. The number one reason donors say they giveblood is because they “want to help others.” Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life.
A life may depend on a gesture from you, a bottle of Blood. To give blood you need neither extra strength nor extra food,and you will save a life. Blood Donation will cost you nothing but it will save a life! Tears of a mother cannot save her Child. But your Blood can. To the young and healthy it’s no loss. To sick it’s hope of life. Donate Blood to give back life. Blood is meant to circulate. Pass it around. Share a little, care a little – Donate Blood. And when you decide to donate blood contact your local Red Cross Society, or any Hospital Blood Banks or any Lions Club Organization in town. Thank You!
