barnes@mprvaxa.UUCP (Mike Barnes) (04/16/84)
I would like to add my own personal account of platelet donation to support Andrew's appeal for donors. About three years ago, a close uncle of mine died of lukemia. It was a slow, very painful death with much suffering, over about a two year period. He received platelet transfusions, chemotherapy, the works. The disease went into remission for a period of months, but then came back, and he finally died of a brain hemorrhage. I did not actually donate platelets for him or anyone else at the time, but I have since become involved in a donor program at a local hospital. I have donated platelets twice now, and I can testify that the process is completely painless (except for the minor prick when the needles are inserted in your arms), and that I have suffered no ill effects whatsoever. So I appeal not only people in Andrew's area to donate, but everyone. You could be instrumental in saving someone's life. -- Michael Barnes Microtel Pacific Research ..!ubc-vision!mprvaxa!barnes