August 17, 2007
Crimson Gold
by Robin Bogard, Kenai Peninsula Blood Donor

She never even saw him…….until it was too late. With one hand on the cell phone, and her other on the steering wheel, it only took slight pressure on the accelerator to send the _ ton Chevy truck hurtling through the red light. The front of the truck smashed deeply and directly into Tom's left leg. The impact sent the twisted motorcycle skidding away, leaving Tom and his ten-year old son, Jake, lying on the asphalt in pools of blood.

Four hours after the accident I was standing by the side of Tom's hospital bed. One of my closest friends for many years, our friendship has continued even after I married his lovely sister. With my heart thumping loudly in my chest, I listened as the nurse told me about the amputation. The doctors simply trimmed away some torn blue-jean material, and a few sinews, which was all that was left hanging on between Tom's thigh and lower leg. She also told me that in those few hours since the accident, it had taken 15 units of blood just to keep Tom alive. "If it weren't for blood donors," she said, "he would have died on the chopper ride to the hospital."

On that late evening in June, with tears in my eyes, I thanked God aloud for preserving the lives of my brother-in-law and nephew. I also thanked the Lord for the many people who unselfishly spare a few minutes once every 2 months to donate blood (their own crimson gold). These are the routine actions of brave men and women that save lives. If you know one of these heroes, take a moment to thank them, or find out how you too can join the ranks of blood donors. The odds are that someday, either you or someone you love dearly will have a desperate need for the "crimson gold."

Robin Bogard