This morning I had an appointment to donate my plasma at a university location because they accept plasma from type 1 diabetics with a special collection method. Unfortunately, the team who was supposed to meet me scheduled the wrong time. Not realizing I was T1D, they referred me to two other “regular” plasma donation sites since COVID antibody collection requires quick turnaround time. We went to the second site and after a long wait, physical, and initial hookup, was deferred for T1D. We were referred to a third site and the same procedure happened. This took 10 1/2 hours. By the time we got home I was exhausted, but starting making some calls and got through to the Red Cross. They have since set me up with a safe collection method after two more hours on the phone.
I took a nap before eating dinner and woke up to my diabetes sensor no longer reading my number. We tried both of my remaining sensors (the whole batch was bad, this happens sometimes) and we were out of sensors.
Panicking, I got in touch with a friend who got in touch with a friend: a stranger to me.
She donated this to me so I can sleep safely tonight.
I know this is no glamour shot: bags under my eyes, makeup from feeling excited this morning that I slept on, clothes that need to be changed, hair a mess. But safe.
To come full circle on the importance of selflessness and donating what you have in this way today...let’s just say that the Red Cross and I have a date first thing tomorrow morning.
People are good. People are so good.
Prepare, don't panic,
-Allison
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