In response to Bonnie Loshbaugh’s “Athletes can save lives, too,” I would like to say that I am sorry that you were “annoyed” by my article, but you misunderstood my point. As an athlete you have the right to determine whether or not you would like to donate blood, and you may chose not to donate for one reason or another. This is perfectly acceptable and understandable, whether it’s a fear of needles or an upcoming meet. Everyone has the right to make decisions regarding their bodies. My article was not directed at the student athletes, but rather the coaches, specifically of winter sports, who went so far as to demand that their athletes not donate. I understand the work that goes into being an athlete and I respect your dedication. Regardless of the recovery time after donating you still have the right to choose not to donate. That wasn’t my point; my point was that no coach should have the right to demand that athletes not donate.
It might be hard for you and your coach, who labeled my article as “ridiculous,” to believe that some coaches yelled at athletes for signing up and even demanded that they not go to their slotted times, but that was indeed the case. Time and time again as I approached people to see if they would donate I was told “my coach wont let me” or “he yelled at me last year for donating” or “he told me it would take me months to recover.” I know it may seem impossible that you and your coach were unaware of these interactions that took place while you were on the water, but unfortunately you might not be privy to every interaction between coach and athlete on campus.
Furthermore, contrary to the belief of the Women’s Crew team, my article was neither directed at you nor was it intended to offend you, though I understand your impulse to take things personally and read into things. As for your claim that there is not “desperate” need for blood, I would like you to know that according to the US Department of Health and Human Services there is an “ever-growing need for blood” and 38,000 units are needed on a given day in the US according to the Red Cross, so yes Ms. Loshbaugh, there is a need for blood. Good luck with the remainder of your season—I’m sure that considering your hemoglobin levels, you should be all set. To everyone else, please donate blood—you can save a life!
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