This is the Third Annual MacRumors Blood Drive, which runs for the month of May. We encourage our forum members and site visitors, including first-time donors, to donate blood and platelets this month. We hope to top our Blood Drive results from the two previous years. We're in cyberspace so we don't collect blood ourselves. We ask you to donate blood or platelets at your local hospital or other donation center. Donated blood or platelets go to people who need them to survive or recover from injury, surgery, or illness.
Why do we hold blood drives? Because it saves lives. MacRumors is an online community where users regularly help each other with technical issues. We're applying that same spirit to the real world community, where there is a constant need for donated blood and platelets. Most people are eligible to donate but only approximately 3% to 4% of the population chooses to donate blood. We would like to see that percentage increase.
Why should you donate? Because one hour of your time can save the lives of three people in your community. Donating to charities is one way to help people in need, but no amount of money can replace a unit of blood or platelets when and where it's needed. Saving another person's life is the greatest act of charity.
How to participate in the MacRumors Blood Drive:
1. Donate blood or platelets in May
Pick a day when you can spare an hour. Donate blood, platelets, or plasma at any donor center in your city. For more information see our Blood and Platelet Donation Guide.
2. Let us know about it
The reward for donating is personal satisfaction that's hard to describe. But we want to add to your reward by giving you a well-deserved pat on the back.
After you donate take a photo of your arm, with its bandage, plaster, or the small mark on your arm. Show it to us by posting in this thread. Even if you don't take a photo, tell us about the donation you've made. Mention if it's blood or platelets, how many units, and if you're a first-time donor. We're keeping a Blood and Platelet Donor Honor Roll (see below) to give you public thanks for your generosity, and to encourage others.
- Not everyone can donate. Some people are unable, unwilling, or ineligible based on the rules in their country. If you're nervous as a first-time donor, talk to those who have faced that problem before you. Every donor has taken that first step.
Even if you can't donate yourself, you can help. Let others know about the need for blood and platelet donations. Convincing someone else to donate blood adds to the supply just as much as donating yourself. If you convince a friend or family member to donate, tell us about it or take a photo of their arm and post it here. We want to recognize your efforts.
- Copy/paste this line into your forum signature:
:) [color=red]I support the [thread=1365614]MacRumors Blood Drive[/thread]![/color] :)It'll come out like this:
I support the MacRumors Blood Drive!
- If you have an avatar, use our Blood Drive avatar this month:
Two other important ways to save lives
1. Register to donate your organs and tissue after your death, and tell your family about your intentions.
2. Register to join your country's National Bone Marrow Registry.
For details see our new Mac Guide:2. Register to join your country's National Bone Marrow Registry.
If you've registered to donate organs, tissue, or marrow, please post in this thread to let us know!
Notes:
- This thread is for celebrating the participants in the MacRumors Blood Drive. If you want to discuss cultural and religious concerns about donating and receiving blood, restrictions on gay donors, or other social issues, please post in the news thread or our long-term Give Blood! discussion thread.
- The MacRumors Blood Drive was planned by the MacRumors staff and volunteers with help from forum member Shaun.P.