The Brony charity group Bronies for Good has just announced their September donation drive: a community-wide effort to donate as much blood as possible. Blood is one of those things that, even though we are always making more of it, there is never enough of. It cannot be overstated how important it is for hospitals to have a ready supply on hand - a few minutes out of your day will save lives. If, like me, you're deemed medically unable to donate, then I encourage you to spread the word about this event, instead. Details on how to participate can be found in the document linked below.
Despite the fact that they mention October in it, I'm almost certain this is meant to be a September-based activity. If you guys are reading this, please clarify in the comments. As well, a special thank you to one BlueNudibranch for supplying the lovely image you see above. Nurse Redheart is an awesome pony. Now go and make her proud!
Redheart's Roundup: Announcement and Details
edit: Google Doc has been corrected. Sorry for the technical difficulties!
74 comments:
I Approve of things like this, its one of the reasons why i like this community so much.
ReplyDeleteNice , very nice.
ReplyDeletei unfortunately cant donate blood, i pass out for a few hours every time i try, and they finally said that its probably not a good idea to try anymore
ReplyDeleteI love it when fellow bronies put on events like this, it's one of the things that puts us on a whole different level than many other fandoms.
ReplyDeleteI'll (hopefully) be able to contribute.
I'd love to do this, but unfortunately, my blood is technically worthless.
ReplyDeleteThe form is a 404 XD
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to donate blood, But I'm on accutane. Come spring next year I can donate, though.
ReplyDeleteI actually have a universal Blood Type, every time im able i give double batches, ide be glad to give what ive got for such a good cause.
ReplyDeleteSince I was born in England no one wants my bleeds... Even though I haven't lived there for 20 years now....
ReplyDeleteThey's missing out on some delicious O type here.
So I guess spreading the word it is for me.
I've been back in my country long enough that my quarantine time is finally up. I've given blood quite a few times, and I'm happy to start back up with my fellow bronies.
ReplyDeleteSorry, we are unable to retrieve the document for viewing or you don't have permission to view the document.
ReplyDeleteAlternatively, you can view the plain HTML (automatically redirecting).
^ same here
ReplyDeleteHere's some fun facts about blood:
ReplyDeleteRed Blood Cells are useful for up to 52 days.
Platelets are only good for about 5 days, and it takes 5 units of whole blood to make a unit of platelets.
Plasma can be frozen for up to 10 years.
Cryoprecipitate (clotting factors) can be frozen for 10 years.
Donating blood is an important part of the health care system. One donation can save up to ten lives. Large hospitals can use twenty units a day, not counting traumas.
So roll up your sleeves, Bronies. If you can donate blood, do it. Only 5-10% of the population that is eligible to donate actually does.
right, I'm booked in with give blood UK for the 11th of September =D
ReplyDeleteI gave blood not too long ago, earlier this month in fact. This reminds me, I really need to set-up my next donation date. I give blood any chance I can get, so it's really nice to see a community like this pull together and decide to do something that not enough people tend to do.
ReplyDeleteNot a problem for me. The Red Cross is close to breaking down my door to get to my blood.
ReplyDeletereminds me to go get a check up at my doctor, havent had one in like 2-3 years, if i rememver correctly i had either O+ or O-
ReplyDeleteDoc's not working, but I'll probably donate regardless.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I'm pretty sure my next blood donation appointment is actually in September! Rock :)b
ReplyDeleteRemember, when donating blood is about the only time you will hear a medical professional tell you:
* Don't exercise
* Eat a big meal
* Have a cookie
I frequently get turned away for low iron count (something more common among those who suffer Shark Week about once a month, yours truly included), so here's some foods that can help boost hemoglobin levels:
* Tomatoes
* Eggs (especially the yolk)
* Green veggies (spinach, broccoli, etc)
* Molasses
* Red meat
* Total (cereal)
* Smart Start (cereal - AMAZING for this)
I've got more, but darned if I can remember where I left the informational sheet off the top of my head.
Some people also get a higher initial iron count from one hand than the other, so if you're borderline, try asking if they'll check your other hand. I've got a good half a percentage difference between my right and left hands on any given day, and it can mean the difference between donating and going home.
Type O Negative people, watch out! The blood center folks will LOVE you; your blood is what typically goes to aid premature babies.
...I'll stop TL;DRing about donating blood now, really.
@Raptor
ReplyDeleteWhy is that?
Man. These always depress me. I spent 6 years in Germany (father was Military) and now the Red Cross won't take my blood. Overreaction to mad cow disease or something.
ReplyDeleteAnypony know if they've reversed that bit of retarded policy yet?
Hmmm, I can't see the GDoc for some reason, but no matter, still gonna do what I can to donate. If it wasn't for blood transfusions, my mom would have had a harder time recovering from leukemia. Time for me to give back!
ReplyDelete@KouThan
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand about it, I'm O- which is the universal donor but I'm also Rhesus negative, which means my blood can only be used on people who are the same.
Any brony who donates blood is now 20% cooler.
ReplyDeleteI donate blood all the time, but now I can do it as a Brony?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if my blood will be full of the magic of friendship...
@Raptor
ReplyDeleteeven AB+ blood, which is compatible with the least other kinds of blood, is useful.
This blood will be full of magic, friendship, love and tolerance I would say.
ReplyDeleteHm. Will more than likely donate, as I haven't in a while! Yee!
@Raptor
ReplyDeleteno, rhesus negative can be used on rhesus positive. it's rhesus positive that can't be used on rhesus negative.
you have incredibly VALUABLE blood.
as in, they will never stop bugging you for your blood if they find out.
@Raptor
ReplyDeleteYour plasma can be given to anyone.
My. They really restrict who can donate. Apparently, my blood is the bane of all human existence for half a dozen different reasons.
ReplyDelete@Anu Aikan
ReplyDeleteYeah, thanks to the American Family Association, I am not usually allowed to donate blood as a sexually active gay man.
1. Start moral panic by concocting some ridiculous conspiracy and spreading it as a warning to churches.
2. get churches to sign petitions
3. ?????????
4. PREJUDICE!
The thought of me donating blood kinda scares me.
ReplyDeleteNo idea why.
I don't even know my blood type, lol.
There was one time I considered donating. I have a needle phobia and so did my ex-wife. We decided to give it a shot. She had an opportunity to go in before I did, and they were yelling at her, telling her she was wasting their time, etc, instead of letting her relax and calm down. As a result, I've never considered donating.
ReplyDeleteMore fun facts about blood from Vanner, your resident lab brony:
ReplyDeleteIf you are type A, you can receive A or O cells.
If you are type B, you can receive B or O cells.
If you are type AB, you can receive A, B, AB or O cells, you lucky devil
If you are type O, you can receive O cells and that's it.
If you're Rh Negative, you can receive Rh- cells.
If you're Rh positive, you can receive Rh+ or Rh- cells.
Humans have natural antibodies to opposed blood types, which is why receiving plasma is pretty much completely backwards from receiving cells.
A types have anti-B,
B types have anti-A,
O types have anti A, and Anti B,
and AB types don't have anti anything
You can get your own type or AB plasma. If you're Type O, you can receive any plasma.
Yay, blood typing! It's one of my favorite topics.
erm, is that link being worked on? It's still not working...
ReplyDeleteI missed out on a blood drive today due to some circumstances out of my control. This perks me up nicely!
ReplyDelete...Or it would if the Google Doc would work!
My sister has myelofibrosis and is very anemic, she has to get a blood transfusion every two weeks or so. Every since she was diagnosed about five years ago, I have been a regular blood donor, and I encourage everyone who can donate to do it at least once in their life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, I haven't given blood in ages.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, I'm yet to see a downside to getting rid of anonymous commenters.
@calamari, I'm so sorry to hear that you and your ex-wife had a bad experience. Those technicians sound like major jerkwads. There's enough general need for blood that it's a bad idea to discourage ANYONE, let alone someone who might have anxiety issues about the procedure. I hope they got a major talking-to from whoever was in charge.
ReplyDeleteIMO, the only reason anyone eligible should be turned away from donating is if the blood banks are full - and that has only ever happened once in my memory: shortly after 9/11, when people were trying to help in any way they could. If Redheart's Roundup could get even near that, even in just one small town or city, I would probably cry.
I like the Idea of this, I just have to find out if I can or can't donate. I've never tried before.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, since I'm 17, I'm not sure If I'll be able to or not... I hope so.
Oh, good, the link is working, now.
ReplyDeleteNever donated before, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteAlso, get that doc back up. :p
Sorry about that, everypony. I tried to do something weird really early in the morning when my brain wasn't in gear, and what I thought had been a functional document in fact wasn't. This was the earliest I could correct the problem. It's been fixed now, so please do read and thanks so much for putting up with derpy little me.
ReplyDeleteSorry, BfG. I think I made you look bad... >.>
I am unable to donate blood. If I could I would
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be a part of this, but I don't turn 16 until December, so I can't donate until then.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good idea. Another reason why this community is much more than the proclaimed "show-addicted fan-base full of crazy people with no merit to insane claims". I'm afraid however that I cannot donate blood. This genetic disease yields thrown chains around those wings of liberty. If my position as well as parameters were normal, then of course I would donate.
ReplyDeleteWell color me inspired. If possible I'll give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteI hear people tend to feel weak after donating blood. In my experience from giving twice I get hyper.
I'd donate, but I believe I tried before and they told me something along the lines of I didn't weigh enough. Maybe I've put on a little weight and can now. Regardless, I love when so many people are willing to step up and help in any way they can.
ReplyDeleteBronies! I need advice on not being nervous. I will do overcome it for the love of MLP (and my fellow humans, I guess), but it's scaaaaaaary!
ReplyDelete@Solar Flair
ReplyDeleteI've never experienced any weakness after giving blood. Helps that the volunteers usually provide food & drink afterward. =D
Anyhow, nothing much to add, except to say that I absolutely champion donating blood and have done so myself several times. I heartily support this drive and thank everypony who chips in. Seriously, you're all 100% awesome. ^_^ <3
Only 38% of the US population can donate? Damn. Only donated once before, but that was a few months ago. Now I can do it as a brony! I wonder how often I can donate... They said my iron count was really high, which would affect the speed my blood regenerated, so maybe I can do it more often.
ReplyDeleteI don't live in the US but... I always get super uncomfortable around needles.
ReplyDeleteSo no thanks!
I'm going to check with my doctor to make sure, and if I can, I'll be donating as well. I love this fandom.
ReplyDeleteUniversity hospital is less than a block from my dorm, so I should be able to get over there. I'm almost deathly afraid of needles, but I'll see what I can do. Anypony know if there's a Nurse Redheart vector out there I can use as a pocket pony? Also, if there's a flier for this I could print, I'd be more than willing to put some up on the campus bulletin boards. Just get it to my DA or RDN and I'll put them up and send in some pics.
ReplyDeleteTo the people that get uncomfortable about needles: Needles make me squeamish as hell too. I've never donated blood, but I've had my blood drawn 4 or 5 times when I've gotten particularly sick. I can't bring myself to look, but the experience has always been smooth and painless when I look away.
ReplyDelete@moonlithoughts, deep breathing usually helps me. I'd also recommend seeing if you can go with a friend, and especially asking if you can work with an experienced technician (rather than a newbie). I always look away when they poke me, as well.
ReplyDelete(I'm also planning to contact BfG to see if I can't contribute some sort of donation and/or advertising incentive - maybe set up a raffle-type-thing? That's completely unofficial for the moment, though, so we'll have to see what happens.)
I sadly cannot donate, because I moved to the US from Great Britain, and when I last tried to give blood they said I couldn't until after 5 years of being in the US because of the risk of "Tropical Diseases".
ReplyDeleteEither the doctors in Arkansas are racist, or very, very stupid.
Well, looks like a good time to try and conquer my irrational fear of needles.
ReplyDeleteMy image! I am proud :'3
ReplyDeleteDonate blood?!?
ReplyDeleteBut then what am I supposed to bathe in?!?! D:
@NotAGoodUsername360
ReplyDeleteI think Pinkamina Diane Pie (the ask account on tumblr) can supply you with the blood you need, just don't ask where it comes from.
I doubt this will apply to anybrony, but if you have ever had leukemia before, then I STRONGLY recommend not donating blood. There's no definite prognosis for it yet, so you might be jeapordizing other people's health by accidentally giving them ninja mutant cells, which would be terribly unfortunate. Also, Phoe, why are you 'medically unable' to give blood? CF? Malaria? You can't just say that and leave us hanging! The suspense is TEARING ME APART, LISA!
ReplyDelete@Mattatatta
ReplyDeleteOr both! xD
Scared the doctors with my high BP so they won't let me. :(
ReplyDeleteI'll get set up to donate tomorrow morning. :D Now all i have to do is think of a creative way to show that I'm a brony. (Or, rather, a pegasis.) :33 Maybe I'll bring my Fluttershy along with meee.
ReplyDelete@Phoe
ReplyDeleteOh you. Trying to sabotage us. Just kidding, I forgive you.
As a clarification, the blood drive is indeed September, not October.
Thank you to everyone who has taken interest in this, it really puts a smile on my face!
--RJ
@Phoe
ReplyDeleteBfG accepts your apology :3
@eaglehooves
ReplyDeleteI might have something that would be worth looking into if you want to do that! just post on the Fb page and let me know that your the guy from the comments that suggested this :3
I have always wanted to donate blood, but i cant get over my fear of needles x(
ReplyDeleteWho needs B- blood -.-
ReplyDeleteSweet, I saw this and thought that I wanna do this.
ReplyDeleteNext day there's a bloodmobile 100ft from my front door.
I GO!
@Martin Wilson I've got some family on Facebook that makes that option a little difficult. Would it work if I gave you my e-mail in the comments on the broniesforgood.org page? I'd do it here, but EqD is higher traffic, and I'm not sure if I'd get spam as a result or not.
ReplyDeleteBlood donation is a GO!
ReplyDelete@Sandman
ReplyDeleteCouldn't donate as planned due to recently getting vaccinated for meningitis.
Today I have donated my promised pint. Couldn't stop giggling the entire time.