1. Senior Bucket List 6. Give Back (Donate Blood)
The sixth item on my Senior Bucket List, was to “give back.” I decided that my act of kindness would be to give blood. Several people in my family were diagnosed with Kidney Disease. This disease is very difficult and can lead to dialysis (the manual cleaning of the blood). My maternal grandfather and two aunts had several blood transfusions because of their kidney failure, so I decided this was the best way for me to be kind to someone else. Before I gave blood I was feeling very anxious as the process is a little intimidating. Once I was through the questions and interview, I felt more comfortable. I don’t enjoy needles, but the actual donation was not as painful as I was anticipating. After I was finished with the donation, I was happy with my choice. I felt like I was contributing and giving back to a cause that has helped those I love, several times. This experience wasn’t very difficult or painful, so I believe I will do it again. Making this donation actually made me think about what other ways I can “give back” and I am now officially an Organ Donor. If you are interested in giving blood I would recommend it. You can give blood every 56 days or about every 8 weeks and there are blood banks or pop-up donation events almost anywhere.
  Senior Bucket List