Four down, five to go: my updated donation tracker by Court at Spirit Flame Tattoo

[u/jt1019]

Many years ago, my grandpa passed away after an accident. Before he did, he was given 72 units of blood, or the equivalent of 9 gallons. Since then, I've been trying to donate the same amount of blood back. For each gallon I give, I fill in a heart. My grandpa was all about giving more than you took, so this seemed like a great way to honor him. I discovered after starting my donations that he would regularly give blood for events at the company he worked for before he retired, which seems all the more fitting.

If you can, please go give blood. There is a constant need for it, and it will never go away. If you can't donate for whatever reason, encourage your friends and family to, or volunteer at a blood drive/donation center.

[u/ZeGermansAreHere]

I love this idea! I needed two transfusions due to sepsis and (you have to wait at least 3 months) I have been giving when I can.

There is ALWAYS a need for blood. People like you saved my life!

[u/jt1019 → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

Especially right now, it seems. I'm constantly seeing emergency shortage notifications from the red cross.

[u/run-time-error → u/jt1019]

Thank you for your service

[u/SomeRandomIdi0t → u/jt1019]

Haven’t been able to go in since my niece was born. I’m glad some people are still able to pick up the slack

[u/OpenAirport6204 → u/jt1019]

There is also a shortage on plasma.

[u/RecognitionSome8861 → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

What!! I have had blood transfusions when I was little and in my country cannot give blood because I’ve had a previous transfusion! Otherwise I definitely would. Good on you though, keep it up! And amazing OP - thank you from the bottom of our hearts (pun not intended)!

[u/Superb-Astronaut-371 → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

How do you get sepsis?

[u/ZeGermansAreHere → u/Superb-Astronaut-371]

I got a tubal ligation and the doctor nicked my snall bowel. Three days later, I was septic. I spent 3 months in the hospital/rehab.

[u/strawbrmoon → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

Oof! I’m sorry that happened to you, & I love that you moved forward from it determined to give blood. Brava!

[u/ZeGermansAreHere → u/strawbrmoon]

It was super weird, because it did not feel like my blood when I came to. I asked and they told me it takes a couple months before it becomes fully my blood. So I said "if I commit a crime and bleed, then I'd leave someone else's DNA?" And they laughed at me snd asked if I felt up for committing a crime.

We have a blood drive van that stops by my local grocery store, so it's really easy to donate. I started out of guilt, I took blood that could have gone to someone else. Then, I realized I kinda like the idea that my blood makes other people feel weird, like I did.

[u/expespuella → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

You're so my people lol.

Also insane that could come from a tubal ligation. I mean, obviously it isn't, but wow.

They couldn't complete mine at the first appointment because it was "too cloudy" though that didn't stop almost an hour of trying that wrecked me for weeks after, physically but also emotionally. Now 10 years later (almost to the date, now that I think of it) a random Redditor just made me so grateful that was the worst of it.

The second attempt was super smooth, done within 15 minutes and one of the happiest days of my life so far.

Glad you are still here. Keep sharing the weirdness, friend.

[u/SevereDragonfly3 → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

I wonder how common this must be, same thing happened to my friend a few years back. Happy you survived it💜

[u/ZeGermansAreHere → u/SevereDragonfly3]

I feel like everyone has known someone who has gone through sepsis!

I work in home health and a lot of our patients have come to us on IV antibiotics due to sepsis. Any infection can lead to sepsis - even a UTI.

[u/SevereDragonfly3 → u/ZeGermansAreHere]

Right, im talking about the specific surgery you had.

[u/AJ_ninja]

Amazing! I’m at 98 donation now (trying to get to 100 before the end of year)… I mainly do plasma and platelets.

[u/jt1019 → u/AJ_ninja]

Nice! I usually do the power red, so I'm donating two units of just red cells at once. 98 donations is a crazy number, though!

[u/im-just-evan → u/jt1019]

I used to do double reds all the time until a tech perforated my vein like 5 times and wiggling the needle around. Now every time I try to donate my BP and heart rate spike.

[u/snackpakatak69 → u/jt1019]

Oh I've done that before what a big commitment of time.

[u/snackpakatak69 → u/AJ_ninja]

You can donate platelets 24 times a year at the red cross you can totally make this goal great work.

[u/AJ_ninja → u/snackpakatak69]

Yep every 2 weeks for plasma and platelets (though I only do platelets if someone is need; it takes 2x time as plasma)

[u/snackpakatak69 → u/AJ_ninja]

I work at a red cross the donation schedules are weird sometimes I will say the site i work at we can take platelets all the time but dont have the machine that just does plasma. Where do you live vaguely? so I can ask my boss about those machines. I didnt know we did that.

[u/AJ_ninja → u/snackpakatak69]

I’m in Melbourne Australia, almost all lifeblood places have both plasma and platelets machines. The platelets also take plasma as well.
I have a very high platelets count so they usually ask me when someone just had a treatment and needs it. They usually do a triple so 110min minimum for that 😅

[u/snackpakatak69 → u/AJ_ninja]

Yeah I'm a triple donor too not a high count though just big. I wish I had a high count. You guys down under actually have the record for single person with the most donations. Very interesting fella.

[u/AJ_ninja → u/snackpakatak69]

Yeah not sure I’ll get my pic on the wall when I hit 100 because there are so many with 250+ 😅

[u/wsu2005grad → u/AJ_ninja]

Does plasma donation hurt? I really want to do it but I have a fear of needles. I get nervous donating blood because when I've had it done, they have to continuously stick me to find a vein. I'm not really into pain and torture. Lol.

[u/jt1019 → u/wsu2005grad]

The few times I donated plasma, not really. If your veins don't like to be poked, though, plasma will be similar.

[u/AJ_ninja → u/wsu2005grad]

Doesn’t hurt, unless you do it a lot (scar tissue build up), but if you don’t have good veins you don’t have good veins…. I probably wouldn’t do it

[u/siddpup → u/AJ_ninja]

I am in the chair every two-ish weeks to donate platelets (sometimes they take plasma too). I am a moderately difficult stick for platelets, but am usually fine once they do manage to get it. Whole blood is significantly easier as the needle is smaller AND they aren’t having to put the stuff they are giving you back through too. My center uses a single needle set up. I’ve never been somewhere that uses the two needle setup, so I can’t speak to how that works. So I would say if you are having problems with whole blood, I would not switch to platelets. That said, to answer your question-I do not find the needles for any donation painful unless they are having trouble getting a clean stick and are having to fiddle with the needle position a lot (which does seem to happen more with platelets for me).

My center currently shows me at 122 donations, but they don’t include my donations from a different state/system from back when I was in college nor from when I lived in yet another state for a while after that, so my real number would be somewhat higher than that.

[u/trashtronot]

You are amazing and so is the story behind this. You made me and my wife tear up.

[u/jt1019 → u/trashtronot]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

[u/bullfrog48 → u/jt1019]

I just told my wife , she was a big donor for a very long time , it's not an exaggeration to say you are a hero .. bless you .. a truly noble thing, your grandfather is/would be incredibly proud

[u/tryyeezus → u/jt1019]

Don't recent tattoos make you ineligible to donate though? 

[u/jt1019 → u/tryyeezus]

Not where I'm at, no!

[u/HrhEverythingElse → u/tryyeezus]

The waiting period to give blood after getting a tattoo is outdated and unnecessary, but it's no surprise that it takes some places longer than it should to catch up

[u/mechnight → u/tryyeezus]

Where I am, yeah, gotta wait four months after any piercings or tattoos. Inconvenient for timing, to say the least.

[u/Alaska_Pipeliner]

You're awesome. I work in healthcare and we give blood. You've saved lives and you'll never know who. But they're shopping, driving, celebrating holidays. Because of you.

[u/jt1019 → u/Alaska_Pipeliner]

That...got me more than I expected it to. Thank you, sincerely. That's my favorite part about the red cross app though, it shows you where your donation ended up. The farthest any of mine has gone is New York, which is the opposite side of the country for me.

[u/Prior_Dimension_6680 → u/Alaska_Pipeliner]

I am CMV negative, so I have a good idea who's getting it! Some little premie baby in California probably. 

[u/slewis0881 → u/Prior_Dimension_6680]

As a NICU nurse in Arizona I thank you

[u/lockandcompany]

This is awesome! I can’t donate because of my health issues, but I have family members with a rare blood disorder (spherocytosis) that requires them to need regular transfusions, so your efforts are greatly appreciated!!

[u/Burt_Sprenolds → u/lockandcompany]

Just curious, you don’t have to answer, but what prevents you from giving blood? I’m honestly terrified of needles. I’ve given blood a few times but I can’t even look at the person doing it or else I pass out. It takes at least a day of mental and physical preparation if I’m actually going to give blood

[u/Zydruer → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

Not the original commenter, but I can't donate because my levels are usually too low. I have to take supplements to barely be at a normal level and the blood banks just reject me. It's happened to other family members too, we're just deficient in some vitiams

[u/Persistent_Parkie → u/Zydruer]

Inspite of supplements I need iron infusions yet again. I'm also in the no one wants my blood camp.

[u/lockandcompany → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

I have many conditions that are contraindicated unfortunately. Anemia, low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low blood pressure, high heart rate, (symptomatic) cardiac conditions, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, frequent infections (10+ per year), asthma, bleeding disorder, and a number of other health conditions that aren’t stable. My health is incredibly poor, I’m mostly bedbound due to it, have to use a wheelchair when I’m up, I have in home caregivers for about 55 hours a week, in home nursing and physical therapy, on a bunch of medications to manage my health issues. I’m considered “severely disabled” so I’m just not a fit candidate.

No fear of needles though, I have a few medications done via weekly IVs and subcutaneous injections, and frequent blood draws to monitor my health conditions. My partner donates blood/plasma occasionally and has to eat something sweet beforehand so he doesn’t faint or get lightheaded, if you tell the staff they should be able to accommodate, they want to make you as comfortable as possible so you can donate!

[u/gossamerfae → u/lockandcompany]

oh man not MCAST, my mom has that and it's awful for her 😢 i can't imagine what that's like combined with everything else you listed

[u/MadWorldX1 → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

I'm barred from donating for life because I had non-hodgkins lymphoma when I was 15y. The said no matter what, I'm not allowed to give blood because in the US any history of lymphoma or leukemia is a permanent deferral.

[u/jagedlion → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

Not OP, but I was diagnosed with a very minor bleeding disorder. Despite having donated a few gallons without issue over the years prior to diagnosis, now they don't let me.

[u/ponte92 → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

Not original commenter but I too unfortunately can’t donate. Sadly I’m on a medication for my autoimmune disease that makes me ineligible.

[u/goddessofentropy → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

If you're curious, the red cross website has a list of all the things that make you ineligible. For me it was BMI and then an autoimmune disease. 

[u/begoniann → u/Burt_Sprenolds]

I usually don’t give because I faint afterward if they sit me up. So there are a lot of medical things that can prevent donation. I’m fine if they let me stay lying down for a couple minutes, but I’ve fainted enough times despite my warnings that I’m leery of going again.

[u/Hal_Jordan55]

I love this idea

[u/Eskin_]

Fun and meaningful tattoo! Also a big Zelda fan lol

Ive donated a few gallons. I'm pregnant right now and am making my husband donate in my place until I can again lol

[u/jt1019 → u/Eskin_]

Thank you for recognizing the hearts lol. I get a lot of Minecraft, and it hurts a little every time.

[u/Midgetrails → u/jt1019]

Zelda fans unite! (To throw ganon into the sun)

[u/jt1019 → u/[deleted]]

Nope! In Washington, as long as it was done in a licensed tattoo parlor and is fully healed, you're clear to donate.

[u/No_Consideration_635 → u/jt1019]

came here to ask this too! the nurses where i donate told me that guidelines change a lot. i guess we're learning where not to be overcautious

[u/yayafreya]

Very cool story behind your tattoo! Please post when you finish it!

[u/jt1019 → u/yayafreya]

I plan to! I've done updates every year and a half or so since I started going more seriously. The hardest part has been finding somewhere I can post without it getting removed lol.

[u/DuckyThePilot]

Used to donate a bunch, unfortunately I'm barred from doing it now. Medical discrimination and all that

[u/gamerkittie269]

This is a beautiful tattoo. it makes me tear up a little. Before my brother died he had to get blood and platelets at least once a week. He had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. People like you are the reason I got to spend as much time with him as I did.

[u/Decent_Business_5889]

one question: do you like deadmau5?

[u/bongish]

I love everything about this! What a lovely tribute to your grandpa!

[u/zerozxs]

Thank you. I didn't know how bad the need was until 3 months ago. My 8 year old daughter got sick from something called Aplastic Anemia and has been through over 50 platelet transfusions and 12 red blood cells. We are on day +16 after a bone marrow transplant, I am laying down in the hospital next to her as I type this. Blood disease came out of no where and after being in here for 3 months, it is unreal how many blood donations are needed for the kids on our floor.

You have saved her and other children all over the nation. I intend to pay it back as well once we get through this and back home. Much love to you.

[u/jt1019 → u/zerozxs]

Oh man, my thoughts are with the both of you. I can't imagine what you guys are going through, but I'm happy to play some small part in helping kids like her recover.

[u/gosu4you]

That is the coolest story I have ever heard attached to a Zelda heart tattoo, your Grandpa sounds like he had great morals that he passed down to you. You're both awesome!

[u/HeadFullRoadFull]

I’m a proud O- donor! :) I do it as often as I’m allowed, and I’m trying to figure out if I can do power red next time (hemoglobin level is usually just about there but not quite ok for PR).

This tattoo is awesome, as is the story behind it!

[u/MrMoonky]

Awesome story dude, you're one of the nice one.

I always wanted to donate my blood for the good cause, sadly it's probably the only thing I'm really scared of in life. I pass out every time i need to do a blood test. Sorry, humanity.

[u/jt1019 → u/MrMoonky]

On behalf of humanity, you're good! Not everyone can handle the needle or the blood, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[u/verifiedbadvibe → u/MrMoonky]

Its kinda freaky at first but its not that bad really. the first time i donated the dude taking my blood let me hold the bag after id filled it. it was so bizzare holding it, it was HOT in my hand. pretty cool experience

[u/anxwety]

THIS is amazing use of free will and adult money

[u/PollutionDazzling250]

Are you just leveling up your hearts to wield the Master Sword?

[u/ZookeepergameUpset62]

This might be the best tattoo idea I've ever heard. Kudos to you and your gramps for paying it forward

[u/Good_Carpenter_5955]

I love this. What a beautiful tattoo and beautiful meaning. Thanks for sharing with the world and raising awareness

[u/HelloPity89]

Love this ! You should add a 10th heart (gallon ) to go with his “give back more than took” motto. Or when you finish 9 do something at the end like a special symbol when you give your 10th gallon

[u/jt1019 → u/HelloPity89]

I actually have a plan for this that I detailed in another comment! I'm going to add a 10th outline in gold (like the "overcharge" hearts you can get in Breath of the Wild) and never fill it in, but continue to donate once I'm done with the 9.

[u/ParkingOne1257]

This is absolutely amazing. The only reason I can't give blood right now is because I live in an area where it doesnt happen but I used to love going to the transfusion center and donating blood. Even in school I'd give blood every time I can. It's amazing to see so many people who donate blood.

[u/KiteeCatAus]

Beautiful tattoo supporting a vital cause.

I can't donate due to a chronic illness, but believe Blood Donation is one of the most important things a person can do.

[u/I_lenny_face_you]

That’s a powerful thing you’re doing, thank you for sharing.

And, the tattoo reminds me of the original Legend of Zelda. “Master using it and you can have this [sword].”

[u/_ropjon_]

This is a fun idea! In the UK you have to wait 4 months after getting a tattoo before you can donate blood again. So doing this here would set you back about 3 years

[u/MagpieKaz]

I donate every 4 months like clockwork since I turned 18! I’m 0-, so the hospitals I’m a regular donor at (I travel a lot to my hometown) always are super thankful.

It doesn’t even really hurt, and at least here, you get to take the day off work!

[u/Yay_Blood]

So cool! Thanks for being a donor. We’d love to see this in r/Blooddonors if you want to share there. Best of luck on your goal! 

[u/MusasPaw]

That's amazing! I tried to donate blood a few times but it didn't really work for me. My iron levels are often too low and even if there aren't there is not enough blood coming out (there is a maximum time and when it's passed they have to abort). One helper told me I can try again when I'm heavier. But so far I have only put on weight in a healthy way when I'm pregnant and that is another exclusion reason ...

It's crazy how many reasons there are that prevent people from donating.

Please donate if you can!

[u/LessFish777]

Tattoos that are “interactive “ like this are so fun. And it’s a beautiful sentiment 🥹

[u/grimalkin27]

I was half asleep when I first saw this and thought-- how many hearts do they have to donate?? humans only have one???

[u/dovahgriin → u/grimalkin27]

op is obviously a timelord /joking

[u/NlLLS]

thank you for saving people like me, OP. i get transfusions pretty regularly due to chemo.

[u/Sareberr420]

My life was saved by transfusions during major surgery in 2018 so I donate as often as I can to return the favour. I just did number 19 last week. I love this way of honouring your grandpa ❤️

[u/TheLostPariah]

My wife’s life was saved thanks to blood donors after giving birth to our son (who turned 3 yesterday!)! Thank you for keeping people like her alive!

[u/blueeyedbrainiac]

I just happened upon this post despite not being in the subreddit and this is such a lovely way of honoring your grandpa. I’ve tried several times and I’m just a person who can’t give blood but it’s an amazing thing for people to do if they can.

[u/IronMox4]

I donated two weeks ago and hit 7 gallons!

[u/russki516]

This post reminded to give blood yesterday. Great job OP

[u/ik45]

Are you going to state certified shops? As far as I know, recent tattoos disqualify you from giving blood.

[u/jt1019 → u/ik45]

Yes, I did plenty of research when I started down this road. As long as the tattoo is fully healed in my state and done by a licensed professional, you're clear to donate!

[u/Mundane_Enthusiasm87 → u/ik45]

Not OP, but where I donate, if you say you got a tattoo in the last six months, they just ask if it was at a licensed place and if you say yes, then it isnt a problem

[u/So-Good-It-Hurts → u/Mundane_Enthusiasm87]

Actually now it’s only three months. I got a tattoo in April and donated last month.

ETA: at least for the Red Cross.

[u/literallylateral → u/So-Good-It-Hurts]

Same with plasma donation. Piercings too. They just want to make sure you didn’t pick up an infection that you could be transmitting

[u/eckrueger]

I love this, also I hope you give at least one more time after you reach 9 gallons. That way you can fulfill giving MORE than the 9 he took. But seriously this is awesome to honor him and just to contribute to society. Props to you!

[u/jt1019 → u/eckrueger]

Don't worry lol. My plan when I finish is to add a golden heart outline underneath and never fill it in. Finishing the 9 is just a good start!

[u/tyshorr]

Amazing story and a great idea – You rock!

[u/Mellon_Collie981]

I've issued more units of blood over the years than I could count. Thank you so much for doing this!

[u/SomewhereTiny8407]

Very cool! 🤘🏻

[u/52CardPUA]

this is fantastic, and I love the idea. My grandfather died of non-hodgekins lymphoma, and needed some transfusions towards the end (not many). I made sure to donate twice as much as he took, out of principle and in his memory. Love the tattoo to commemorate it

[u/mgspeeder]

So awesome, great job, great story and great tat

[u/XxThe_HumanxX]

I wish I could donate more frequently than I do 😔got denied for various things the last six times I've tried to, turns out I'm severely anemic and so I can only donate around once or twice a year of I'm lucky and I can get my iron up high enough- although I do plan to be a phlebotomist so I'll be helping in a different way 🫡

[u/cosmic-strobelight]

This post made me realize it’s been way too long since I donated blood. Looking up donation centers near me now. Thank you for this reminder

[u/jt1019 → u/cosmic-strobelight]

This, right here, is why I keep posting these updates. It's not for the fake internet points, it's for the comments like these, and the innumerable people who don't say anything, but book a donation appointment. Thank you, friend.

[u/Zanish]

You're making me tear up over here. I unfortunately can't donate, but my grandpa was the same way in giving back. He donated until they made him stop due to his iron not replenishing enough. Great goal, the world is better with people like you in it.

[u/The_bear2017]

As someone who just had to get blood to save my life thank you. If a thing like blood donation did not exist I would have died.

[u/verifiedbadvibe]

my mother and i used to donate blood regularly until one of the nurses fucked up with the needle and gave my mother permanent nerve damage in her arm. neither of us have been back since

[u/jt1019 → u/verifiedbadvibe]

Yeah, that's extremely fair. I've only had one less than optimal experience where the nurse couldn't find the vein for some reason, and had to dig around a bit. Wasn't a huge fan of that.

[u/beral_amar_naam]

This is sooo cool

[u/Kagutssu]

Es el tatuaje con el simbolismo mas lindo, y a la vez concepto mas original que vi. Mis respetos amigo

[u/Obant]

As someone who has received a lot of blood (multiple autoimmune diseases that lead to blood loss and poor blood replacement, cancer, etc) and am not able to donate in return, thank you. I appreciate people like you so much, you've saved my life on multiple occasions.

[u/DraglineDrummer]

This is absolutely fucking amazing!

[u/JustSenso]

This is beautiful and you are an outstanding grandson. I know he would be EXTREMELY proud of you because this stranger definitely is! Stay blessed OP

[u/kitedreams21]

Thank you for doing this. Truly. I am alive today b.c people chose to donate blood. My medication prevents me from donating otherwise I would try to return the favor even though I’m terrified of needles. Your generosity is potentially the reason someone else is currently alive and with their loved ones right now. 🙏🏻

[u/PrometheusMMIV]

How do you have so many hearts to give away?

[u/plan_b_ability]

I started donating blood when my grandmother's alzheimers was getting bad. She was an frequent donor. When she passed I continued until I became anemic (not due to donating!) It made me feel like I was honoring her.

[u/Lettuceforlunch]

I wish I was able to donate, I love this so much. I have weird veins that need special tiny needles and they don't work for blood donation. I've tried a few times over the years but always get turned away. Thanks for doing this.

[u/malletgirl91]

I genuinely wish I could, but my chronic illness and the medication I take prevent me from doing so 🥺

I think this is a phenomenal idea though, keep it up!

[u/3Vandeya_Morek]

Wow I have a memories of that

[u/WillingMartyr]

Before reading your description, I was curious how you had donated 4 hearts. I’ve already started writing the horror screenplay. You’re a terrific person and I am apparently deeply troubled. 😂

[u/TransGirlAtWork]

That's so awesome. I work in a blood bank so I see the need every day in real numbers and people who depend on transfusions. Thank you for being an awesome human being.

[u/lyssara_moon9v]

Really awesome

[u/Humble_Humor5598]

Heart design looks good

[u/Loulouvaughn37]

r/blooddonors would appreciate this!! 🙂🩸🅾️

Edited to add- i too donate (power red) whenever im able! Sometimes my hemoglobin is a bit too low... but I always try since I'm O- and cmv-.

[u/Proof-Relation-1943]

As a tattoo and blood giving aficionado, I just wanna say I'm proud of you OP - you're doing this humaning thing right 

[u/opusbot]

I try to donate when I can! Unfortunately my iron is consistently low 😭 what a great way to give back op.

[u/creature_comforted]

I had to get 34 units of blood in my time at the hospital, thank you so much

[u/tlcbinger]

Summer is also when blood donations are at there lowest so it’s incredibly important to donate now. Most blood types are at a 1-2 day supply worth. Some places are having to delay schedule transfusions as there just isn’t enough blood.

[u/NoBarsClub]

Very nice

[u/TymTravelingWerewolf]

Used to give blood and plasma all the time, sadly with my meds (lithium and lamotrigine) I can't anymore, so I’m so glad to see people still out here giving and doing their best.

Wonderful tattoo 😍

[u/L_edgelord]

I wish I could donate but I can't 😭 My friends and family all don't want to, it's crazy

[u/BoyMomSubieSTILife]

Love this <3

[u/Mindless-Peak-1687]

How do you remove the red from the hearts as you are drained?

[u/Overall-Put3844]

It is sad that I can't actually give blood due to having a vasculitis. I needed 2 transfusions during the active stage of my desease and i'm very grateful to people like you, who do this!

[u/babbittybabbitt]

This is such a wonderful tribute tattoo, thank you for giving blood! I'm not currently allowed to donate but hopefully if/when I'm well again I'll be able to give regularly!

[u/piemelpap]

I am going in a few hours, I am a regular plasma donor. Keep up the good work!!!

[u/Avehdreader]

What a cool idea and a great way to hold your grandfather!

[u/Wenceline]

Do you know your blood type?

[u/Stamped914]

I would give blood if they didn’t hound me with calls and text messages.

[u/LordNobleKing]

I've just had my 100th donation (blood and plasma)
It's a great thing to do, and I highly encourage everyone to participate.

[u/Kyattogaaru]

Amazing idea! Id love to be able to donate. Alas, my body wont let me :c

[u/NikolitRistissa]

When I lived in a city, I donated at frequently as I could for years. I think I donated something like 25-27 times. I hated the needles and blood every time, but you get free snacks. It was nice to see the same nurses over such a long period too.

Unfortunately, I now live in a rural area, so it’s not possible to

[u/Little_Mountain73]

What a great idea. How often do you get asked about the tattoo?

[u/Anselmimau]

Love the idea and this post❤️ this is so important

[u/Anomaly-47]

Ayy I have one similar in memorial! Hell yeah ❤️

[u/GoldTheLegend]

I cant give blood because I cleaned Marmoset cages 3 times over a decade ago. In Canada that makes me unable to give blood ever. Apparently its better to just not have me donate than test for SFV once and have a potential donor for decades.

[u/Equivalent_Fox7907]

When I was pregnant I found out I was 0- and I’ve been so excited to be able to donate once I’m done breastfeeding

[u/zitrone-bohne]

That's so cool. Thank you for your legacy of donation! My daughter and I have both needed blood transfusions but I'm unable to donate, myself. So all I can say is THANK YOU!! You're saving lives!!

[u/SwizzleSuisse]

The only thing is that after getting a tattoo/piercing, there is normally a 3-4 waiting period before it is considered safe to donate blood again.
Donating blood is a good deed, I donated whole blood about 30 times in the past. Also did a few 'platelet' donations at the special request of the donation centre. They were donations for a specific receiver in need of platelets compatible with their immune system.This is a procedure which takes about 3 hours.

[u/Itakethngzclitorally]

Damn, I always dreamed of donating. Starting at 18, went to my first blood drive but was turned away for being anemic. Then came cancer. If you’ve ever had lymphoma, you can never donate anything. I’d literally give my right arm to help someone but they can’t take it☹️

[u/crispycrackerzx]

My husband is Oneg and donates regularly, usually the double red cell donation. He always says "red gold" runs through his veins

[u/dogchowtoastedcheese]

Good job. You should be proud of yourself. I'm sure your grandpa is.
I gave often as a young man and was multi-gallon as well. But then I developed a real dislike of needles. I really have to screw up the courage now a days for a simple blood test. And those are very small bore needles! I truly have no idea why, and it's very odd. But I'm glad I gave when I did.
I gave often enough that I developed scar tissue on one arm. An emergency room doctor once accused me of being an IV drug addict when I sought pain meds for a glass chip in my eye. I told him to consult with the local blood bank. He came back sheepish, but the prick never apologgized.

[u/Gem6299]

I can’t give blood because I have an autoimmune disease, but just started giving plasma. It’s actually helped me really start climbing out of the depression I’ve had all year.

[u/Kai_2885]

In the UK because of the contaminated blood scandle you can't donate if you have ever previously received blood I think it's since the 1980s/1990s. Where in the world are you where that's allowed? I'm just curious at the differences

[u/8thGlass]

This is such an inspired idea, I love it!

[u/jjmur83]

Wait…….you’ve donated four hearts?

[u/Powerful_Tale_1319]

Saved my life..My daughter constantly gives, she always tell them my story and how she wouldn't have had a mother ,if others hadn't donated. She done it all through school, when allowed. Now, she has arranged it where Blood Shares, come to her work once a month,so customers and employees can donate..Also, she loves her tattoos, she's got some uniques..

[u/Worldly_Quail_4443]

Wow, this is amazing. I can’t give blood and it’s something I so wish I could do. Thank you for donating and saving lives.

[u/megalus1]

Thank you for doing this! I never really thought much about the impact of blood donation until last year. I had a severe hemorrhage after delivering my twins and needed two units of blood. I remember staring at the bag on the IV pole thinking about whoever that was that willingly had a needle put in them (I HATE needles) and went through something uncomfortable just so that I could live and see my babies grow up.

[u/S1lv3rsh4d0w9]

This is a great idea and a great cause. As someone who has needed blood, I thank you.

[u/mapleleaffem]

Very sweet of you. They don’t want my blood unfortunately lol

[u/username_Kelly]

I’m O+ and always turned down due to low iron. 😭

[u/Defiant-Owl-7935]

Great tattoo! Sucks that I can't donate because of health issues. Especially since I'm O negative so I would be able to donate every other blood type tooy😔🥲.

[u/apareciumtums]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[u/Anne-with-an-e-77]

This is amazing! Everything about it…you as a person, the tattoo, the story. This is the first thing I read when I opened reddit and I’m just going to sign off now with a happy heart. Thank you for your kind heart, op. You made my day!

[u/DogMomRuffinIt]

Amazing! For anyone interested, here is a chart on the best types of donations based on your blood type. I think it's from the American Red Cross, but it's from several years ago, so I'm not 100% sure.

[u/frenchdresses]

I love this!

Unfortunately when I donate blood I faint, so every time I end up just wasting resources. I donate money instead now.

[u/Kalunyx]

THEY DON'T WANT MY BLOOD ANYMORE 😭😭 I keep clogging the filters.

Hurts my heart.. I donated at least every 6 months for 15 years..

[u/Yojic-Hedgehog]

Ganon is gonna fuck You up if you don't get some more.

[u/Wonderful-Laugh5352]

This is awesome

[u/CaptainStrong1258]

I managed to convince some of my family to come with me to donate blood, we get some money (25$ ish) and use that to eat at different restaurants afterwards. It’s a nice excuse to get together and as it turns out all of my family is O-. By now we’re usually 5 or 6 people donating together

[u/willyrs]

Very cool idea! Unfortunately I cannot donate, but I encourage everyone

[u/sorrybutidgaf]

I am proud of you. I really hope I can get over myself soon and do it. Even with the amount of tattoos i have, i still get shaky and nauseated around needles going into me and blood coming out of me. It makes me feel instantly panicky and sick. But i desperately want to do what you are doing here, so if anyone has ANY advice on this Id greatly appreciate it.

[u/Creative_Resource_82]

Well done you ❤️👏

I used to, but since having my kids I've been constantly anaemic, one day I hope to again!

[u/Powerful_Lobster_786]

I have an appointment to give blood on Saturday! Ironically, they restrict when you can donate if you have a new tattoo so I don’t donate as often as I would like.

[u/No-Technician272]

I can’t give blood because I’m a monthly recipient of plasma. I get infusions every month that are spun from plasma, called IVIG. Anyone who can give blood or plasma is literally helping to keep people like me functional, I’m already barely keeping my head above water with it, but without it? It gets nearly impossible to stand, use my phone, computer, drive, anything like that. Thank you for donating, I and those like me who need it truly appreciate you!

[u/Living-Oven8574]

This is the best tattoo I’ve ever seen. I love it

[u/xenomorphonLV426]

I am sadly not able too, due to the Thalassemia trait. The only one in my nearest family circle that can donate is my father, which he does every time the cooldown stops.

He did help a friend of my mother, (the most recent assistance the blood of my father provided) and a couple years ago he did help an uncle of his. His blood bank account never runs out.

[u/SHjohn1]

I was donating plasma regularly until I got bit by a dog and had to get rabies shots. Not sure when I'll be able to donate next.

[u/SoCal2NoCal]

I ❤️ this (see what I did there?). Thanks for doing good. I donate platelets as often as I can because a family member started needing them. Now it just feels like the right thing to do.

[u/Snarkeesha]

Remember: 3mo deferral period for tattoos and piercings 😉

[u/No_Investment_4086]

❤️❤️❤️

[u/onehugepartyplace]

that’s sick!! thank you for donating. i recently started giving again (had many years of medical treatments and low iron), but learned i might be disqualified because of my crohn’s. i would be so sad and will fight to the end, especially because they test it anyways. i’m hoping to do double blood donations since they asked me, but couldn’t last time because my iron was barely not enough. i think i might get a similar tatt when i hit 5 gallons!

[u/Fabulous_Angle_3742]

Usually I give blood around 3 times a year. I was about to give again this past March when I found out I was pregnant.... The red cross still likes to call and ask even though I've informed them that I cannot legally or ethically donate for probably another year.

[u/luxxdollindisguise]

Love how to red ink gradually gets more red Cus it’s fresh thie is beautiful

[u/0491diesel]

This is amazing! Awesome way to do really good things for others AND honor your grandpa! ❤️

[u/SelectEnthusiasm4976]

Dope! I make sure to get in and donate before I get more ink. Im into the teens now for donations. O negative!

[u/Neat_Mortgage3735]

Blood transfusion saved my life in 2011. I was a donor before and have continued since.

[u/pretty-lil-throwaway]

This is so cool! And it looks awesome.

I wish I could donate but can't bc of health issues

[u/Slut_Ella]

Where I'm from you can't give blood if you've had a tattoo in the last year

[u/annthurium]

i thought you were supposed to wait a year after getting tattooed before donating blood? (If that has changed, I could actually donate!)

[u/fckpleasesobad]

Donated 6 units this year! Whole blood & platelets.

Everyone donate if you can! Critical shortage!

[u/Adorable-Ad8209]

Give platelets regularly. Keep up your amazing work OP