"I remember feeling disappointed. So this time I really wanted to be eligible."
Dia
Pune
Description
After turning 18, she was eager to donate blood, inspired in part by her mother who donates every year. Although she was initially unable to donate due to low haemoglobin, she returned later and successfully completed the process after a thorough screening. The experience felt simple, safe, and rewarding. Even when she was later turned away because of a recent tattoo, she understood the safety guidelines and now looks forward to donating again once the waiting period ends...
Dia's Story
I wanted to donate blood, partly because it seemed like a fun thing to do, honestly. And also because my mom donates every year so it always felt like something meaningful.
The first time I tried donating at a previous drive, my haemoglobin wasn’t above the required level so I couldn’t donate. I remember feeling disappointed. So this time I really wanted to be eligible.
At the drive, they did a full screening. They checked my blood iron levels, heart rate, blood pressure, weight, height and even asked about my cycle to make sure everything was safe. When everything came back normal, they said I could donate. They took one vial and that was it.
The donating part wasn’t scary at all. I’m not afraid of needles so it felt pretty smooth. The team explained everything, which made it comfortable. Afterwards, I got a packet of Parle-G and some time to rest.
I don’t know how to describe it properly but I felt great. Like I had done something genuinely nice for the community. It also felt very grown up, it was the first “adult” thing I did after turning 18. In all, it was a simple, safe and honestly fun experience. And I was just really happy I finally got to do it.
Later, I went again for a college donation drive but I was rejected because my tattoo wasn’t over a year old yet. At first it was disappointing but I understand that safety comes first.
Now I’m just looking forward to my next donation once the waiting period is over. Because once you’ve done it once, you kind of just want to keep showing up.
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