Florida Snips & Snaps
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February 16, 2010 Blood Drives
What Makes a Hero?
Becoming a hero is often very dangerous and sometimes complicated. It rarely happens through planning but seems to be a spur of the moment thing -- something which most often occurs through being forced by circumstance to take a stand or perform an act not normal to one's behavior. It often results in death or serious injury.
There are exceptions to this rule, of course. One of them is the military person who knowingly risks his or her life to accomplish a goal. That often results in the loss of that life, even if the greater goal is accomplished.
Still another is the individual who comes across a problem and takes action to save a life whether that be at an accident, a fire or even preventing a robbery or other act of violence from taking place. All of these are often at the risk of the person's life who takes the action. Sometimes they don't survive.
Still another is one which results in saving lives but, thankfully, is one which places the hero in minimum danger as well as one which can be scheduled in advance.
What is this almost miraculous event?
The simple act of taking a few m0ments, scheduled moments in many cases, and undergoing the almost unnoticed prick of a needle also makes heroes. I'm talking about giving blood.
Pam Hicks
and Ron Hawthorne
, both Callahan residents, are two such heroes. Pam has given a total of more than four gallons of blood since she began donating.Ron was not sure how many he had donated "voluntarily," but he has also "donated" blood in another time and place -- he was wounded while serving in Iraq as a medic with the US Army there. He'll provide a bit more information to "flesh out" this article later.
Both bear the "Mark of a Hero."
The Florida Georgia Blood Alliance , which holds community blood drives alternating monthly in Callahan and Hilliard, notes that "One pint of blood can be separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, and can save up to three lives."
Check the FGBA website for more information including how to become a donor, where to donate and even how to get speakers for your organization, business or church. Phone numbers and email addresses are on the site.
I've only mentioned Pam and Ron in this article but there are many others involved. According to what I've learned, the FGBA collected 34 units of blood February 13th, 5 more than the last time they were in Callahan two months ago.
Callahan and Hilliard alternate blood drives with the next being held in Hilliard Saturday, March 20. Check the schedule for more information. Remember that the FGBA also has a number of locations where donations can be made.
You can also donate for a specific person who needs blood as well as set aside a supply of blood for your own need if you face elective surgery, for example.
Be a hero. Save three lives at little risk to your own except possibly feeling the almost unnoticeable prick of a needle. Gain the satisfaction of Knowing you're a hero. That's something few ever attain.
