No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I’ve been a regular blood donor for almost 50 years. But as I’ve gotten older and run into some physical changes, the American Red Cross has made it harder and harder to be a good citizen and donate whole blood.

I’ve been deferred for having high blood pressure.

I’ve been deferred for having low iron.

I’ve been deferred for having too high of a heartbeat.

I’ve been deferred for having PVC (Premature Ventricular Contractions).

As of today, I’ve been deferred five times in a row.

And there’s no arguing. They have their machines, and even though (for example, today) their BP readings are 30+ points higher than the readings I’m getting on the high-end digital home BP monitor, there’s no appeal or discussion.

So tomorrow the emails and phone calls will start again, reminding me of how critical the blood supply shortage is, how I have an unusual blood type, how much they appreciate the HUNDREDS of donations over all the years, and begging me to schedule another appointment for July.

Let’s assume that’s a “NO!” Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me five times, shame on me.

I’ve done my good deeds. I’ve tried to do more and been told “Thanks! But no thanks!!” repeatedly.

I’ve taken enough punishment and disappointment for trying to help. I’ll stop now, thanks!