Fighting My Fear to Save a Friend

I've been terrified of needles since I can remember, and did everything to avoid them. Recently a close friend of mine was admitted to the hospital and needed more than a few blood transfusions, and it was the shock of someone I love needing blood that spurred me to take a deep breath, get over a lifelong fear and donate blood. All the volunteers were truly kind and assured me that it wouldn't hurt, but more importantly the fact that I was willing to donate would change lives. One of the volunteers even came over and squeezed my hand as the mental fear passed (though my eyes still watered) and I officially became a blood donor. I know I'm lucky to be healthy enough to donate blood, and it was one of my biggest accomplishments as I walked outside with the red bandage across my inner elbow: giving back just as others have, and thanking one of those others who donated blood and helped my friend stay alive.