One might even say we're Callen' for Arms, but I digress. If you are reading this journal, you may have taken the time to save a life in honor of my six year-old son, Callen. You may even have been the one who saved his life on any number of occasions since his diagnosis of blood cancer. There are no words great enough to express my gratitude. For every parent I meet in clinic whose child has similarly received the life-saving or sustaining gift of your blood, there are simply no words.

And now, TeamCallen needs you again.

The winter months have dramatically impacted blood donations. Due to severe weather, more than 300 blood drives have been canceled - resulting in a nation-wide shortage of nearly 10,000 pints of whole blood.

We feel the impact of that shortfall right here in RVA ... where all blood products are at critically low levels ... where wait times for transfusions are long and blood is used as quickly as it can be processed and shipped out ... and where right here in our home, Callen's dependence upon regular doses of IVIG (infection fighting proteins whose only source is human blood donations) could be at risk. In addition to blood and platelets, Callen has received nearly 50 transfusions of IVIG in the past 6 months - each of which requires more than 1,000 blood donors to make - and there is no end to his need in sight.

And now I humbly ask you to donate once again.

There will be a blood drive on Wednesday March 2nd, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Weinstein JCC [directions to 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond].

To schedule your appointment, go here.

Why Donate Blood?

You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason.

Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend. Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Some believe it is the right thing we do.

Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

Some Health Benefits

You will receive a mini physical to check your:

• Pulse
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Hemoglobin

What Can You Expect

Come prepared.

• Have a light meal and plenty to drink.
• Bring your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification.
• Bring the names of medications you are taking.

The Actual Donation Process

1. Registration. The Red Cross staff and volunteers will sign you in and go over basic eligibility and donation information. You will read information about donating blood, and will be asked to show a donor card, driver's license, or other form(s) of ID.
2. Mini-physical. You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and places you have traveled. We will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level present in a sample of blood.
3. The Donation. The actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes, during which you will be seated comfortably. The process is safe and sterile. Red Cross staff and volunteers will be available if you have any questions.
4. Refreshment. After donating, you should have a snack and something to drink in the refreshments area. You can leave the site after 10-15 minutes and continue with your normal daily activities. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped save lives.