Give the Gift of Life

“I donate because when my mom was fighting cancer, she needed blood,” stated Wendy (Walker) Konz, formerly of Oakland, Ne, now of Genoa, NE.

Wendy has been giving blood for approximately a year and a half now.

There are many benefits to giving blood. Just one pint of blood donated by an individual can help save as many as three people’s lives. Wendy began giving blood as a result of her mother’s illness. “It was then that I realized how important it is to help others this way,” Wendy said.

Wendy has given a total of five units to date and tries to give every eight weeks as allowed. “A few times my iron was too low so I had to reschedule. Now I try to eat red meat the day before giving so my iron is up,” Wendy stated.

The four main blood types are: A, B, AB, and O.  AB is the universal recipient and O negative is the universal donor.

Blood centers tend to run short of blood types O and B. Wendy’s blood type is B+. “Just like I always try to be,” said Wendy, (as in be positive.)

Wendy also has family members that donate blood. “My sisters Kim and Kathy also donate blood. They both have for a lot longer than I have,” Wendy stated.

Wendy has advice, from experience and also from those at the donation centers on giving blood. “Drink lots of fluids the day of giving blood and report back to them if you become ill. You aren’t supposed to do strenuous activity the day of giving,” Wendy said.

Wendy’s first time of donating blood went very well. “I was in and out in an hour,” Wendy stated. “I encourage others to donate whatever they can, whether it is blood, plasma, platelets, kidney, etc.”

There are approximately 32,000 pints of blood used each day in the U.S. About 4.5 million people in the United States would die each year without blood transfusions.

Wendy plans on being a lifer. “You just never know who you might help. It could be your family or friends,” Wendy said.

Wendy encourages others to donate blood as well. “God gave you enough to donate And he will replenish it!” Wendy stated.

Wendy Walker Konz. Photo Courtesy of Wendy.