Most people don’t like being poked with a needle, but on Monday, November 20, 35 Mount Carmel students along with 6 faculty members donated their blood to LifeSource in hopes of saving lives.

Though that number was fewer than recent blood drives, the Caravan surpassed its goal of 30 units of blood, by donating 32 units. Faculty member Julie Chappetto, who has championed the blood drive program for many years, appreciated the generosity of those who participated. “Blood donations save lives, and this blood stays  local.”

I was among those who donated blood. Though not my first time, walking into the Student Center where the blood drive is held, I was still a bit nervous.  However, I was met with big smiles from Chappetto and the other students waiting to donate their blood, so I took my seat and waited for my name to be called.

Looking around at my fellow classmates giving blood, including senior Jack Scanlan, I felt proud, knowing that every pint we gave would save about three lives.  While some might have used the opportunity just as a way to get out of class, Scanlan agreed that there’s a deeper purpose. “I want to help others in need.”

Eventually it was my turn, and after answering a few questions about my general health, current medicines, and recent travel, I waited with anticipation to donate my blood.  When my name was called I took my seat and the phlebotomist assured me everything would be fine. After finding my vein and covering the selected area in an antiseptic wash, the nurse placed the needle in my vein and I gave blood.

The brief pain of the needle piercing my skin was nullified by the sense of satisfaction in helping others who needed help. The more blood I pumped out the bigger my smile got, and even though I began to feel tired, nothing could take away the happiness I felt.

After 15-20 minutes, I was finished and the phlebotomist cleaned me up and bandaged me.  Next I proceeded to the recovery area where I received a slice of pizza, some chips, and a beverage. After my allotted recovery time, I said goodbye to the wonderful workers and made my way back to class, appreciating the good people who had participated and the good things that we had accomplished.

John McKeown, ’16, summed up my feelings about the experience. “Giving blood doesn’t take much of a toll;  it is a little deed that goes a long way.”