Life Savers

One night, not long ago, a typhoon raged.  In the city of Cagayan de Oro, drenching rain and howling wind pounded on roofs and streets.  But since this was a normal occurrence, and people were within the safety of their homes, it was easy to believe that this was the perfect weather to fall asleep in.  Little did anyone know that this night was a night no Kagay-anon would ever forget.  This was December 16, 2011 and the typhoon was Sendong…

In the midst of despair and heartbreak, we come across stories of hope and selfless giving.  Let me tell you a few:

Story #1:  This was posted on FB at 5:30pm December 21, by the cousin of my ninang:

Type O blood
badly needed
if you are in cdo
PLEASE donate
pm me

I went to CDO full of good intentions.  I was tired of sitting at home, reading all the links and stories on Facebook about the relief operations that I wanted to help too.  Even if it was just a simple thing as donating blood to a dengue patient.

Unfortunately, I was to be disappointed.  I didn’t even get past the initial interview.  My blood was too thin (said the technician) because I was taking Aspirin (as maintenance for an elevated cholesterol level) and I might bleed out.  So though I was willing, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) wouldn’t let me.  Grrrr!

I apologized to Rommel, the patient’s brother, who had waited for me at the PNRC — I was to be the last donor — and promised to find a replacement.  He wanted to walk me to Gaisano but when we reached the Provincial Hospital I told him I could take it from there.  As I walked towards the mall, I couldn’t help feeling I had somehow let the family down, and so I decided to send a text out to my fellow tour guides in the hopes that at least one of them would be able to give tomorrow, if needed.

Three minutes later I got a reply from Milo.  He was in the area and could give blood right away!  He was on his way to see his Lola and Lolo whom he hadn’t seen in over 8 years, but he gave his time when it was most needed.  He was at the right place at the right time and I knew his blood would be put to good use that night.  Thank you, Lord!

(Note:  Pamela, the dengue patient, responded to transfusions of the donated blood.  From a platelet count of 23, it rose to 47 in just 12 hours.  Hopefully, she will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, in time to celebrate Christmas with her family.)