Give a Little to Save a Lot: Join the Blood Donation Marathon!
Attention, Steyr & Steyr-Land residents! It’s that time of year again when our district and the Red Cross decide that giving just a little of ourselves can actually save lives. From now until January 3rd, get ready for the blood donation marathon, running for 37 days straight—a duration that coincidentally matches how long blood supplies last. Coincidence? Or clever marketing? Either way, every 90 seconds someone somewhere in Austria will need a blood unit. You don’t want to come to the party empty-handed, do you?
Why Donate? Here’s the Blood Truth
You might ask, “What’s in it for me?” Well, my friend, let me introduce you to Lukas Reiter from Dietach. This passionate donor says he started giving blood as soon as he turned 18, and look at the guy—he’s had 85 donations already! That’s more donations than most people have birthdays. What’s his trick? Just a smidgen of altruism! “It feels good to help others,” he insists. And who doesn’t want that little dopamine hit in the days following a donation? Nothing like a smartphone message confirming you’re a blood-saving hero.
“You may find yourself in a situation where you urgently need a blood bank.” – Lukas Reiter
From Curiosity to Heroism
Think it’s all about saving the day? Think again! Ronald Freudenthaller from Styria started his blood donation journey 36 years ago out of sheer curiosity. “Wait, is this all it takes to feel useful?” he probably thought. Turns out, it’s a bit more than that! After some initial ‘classic’ donations every three months, he leveled up his game to a platelet donor every four weeks. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be the person they call when they need a rare blood type? Talk about being the IT person of blood!
Spontaneity at Its Best!
Ronald doesn’t just sit and wait for his regular appointments—oh no, he’s a man of action! If there’s an urgent need for his blood type, he gets the call, and boom! He drops everything faster than you can say “Hemoglobin”! And doesn’t his employer deserve a medal? With his social employer giving him time off to donate, it’s almost like they want to be part of this blood-saving adventure too. Now, that’s teamwork!
Get Those Dates in Your Diary!
Feeling compelled? You should! Here’s a list of upcoming blood donation appointments in our beloved region:
- November 29: Adlwang elementary school, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- December 16 & 17: ÖAMTC base Steyr/Gleink, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 18: Parish of Münichholz, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 20: Rotkreuz Haus Steyr, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 30: Maria Neustift retirement home, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- January 2 & 3: Aschach Community Center, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
And if that stunning list of dates didn’t already get your adrenaline pumping, visit roteskreuz.at for more info. Remember, folks, there’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than by donating blood and potentially saving a life. Be a donor. Be a hero!
Let’s roll up our sleeves, show some spirit, and channel our inner superhero this holiday season. Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like having a healthy, generous blood supply!
My district, in collaboration with the Red Cross, is launching an exciting “blood donation marathon.” This vital campaign will run throughout the Steyr & Steyr-Land region until January 3rd, providing an opportunity for locals to contribute to a crucial cause.
STEYR, STEYR LAND. The blood donation marathon will span an impressive 37 days in the Steyr & Steyr-Land region, mirroring the duration that blood supplies typically last. In Austria, the demand for blood is critical, with a unit required every 90 seconds for a variety of urgent medical needs, including emergencies, childbirth, surgeries, and treatments for chronic illnesses. Blood, an essential component of emergency medicine, cannot be manufactured artificially, highlighting the necessity for regular donations. All healthy individuals aged 18 and over are encouraged to donate blood, especially during the festive season when giving back is particularly meaningful!
Motivated to save lives
“I have been donating blood since I was of legal age. My motivation for this is to help other people,” shares Lukas Reiter from Dietach. He experiences a rewarding sense of fulfillment knowing his contributions positively impact others, especially when he receives acknowledgment notifications on his smartphone shortly after donating. Initially, Reiter’s participation was confined to donation campaigns within his local community.
“When I donated at the blood donation center in Linz, I was asked whether I could also imagine donating platelets or blood plasma. Since my values match well, I have been going to plasma donation regularly for three years now,” explains Reiter.
To date, Reiter has proudly completed his 85th donation. “I can only recommend everyone to donate blood. You may find yourself in a situation where you urgently need a blood bank.”
At first it was curiosity
“I started donating blood when I was 18 – 36 years ago,” recounts Ronald Freudenthaller from Styria. Initially motivated by mere curiosity during a blood donation campaign at his vocational school, Freudenthaller quickly recognized the importance of his actions and has since made donating a regular part of his life.
“For the first few years I donated ‘classically’ every three months. When I was approached by the blood donation service employees about platelet donation and received a thorough explanation, I eagerly agreed and have been a donor every four weeks since then,” he states.
Spontaneous donation
Occasionally, when Freudenthaller’s blood type is urgently needed, he receives a call inviting him for a quick donation appointment within hours. “My employer is incredibly supportive and always allows me time off for these spontaneous donation opportunities,” he notes. Freudenthaller views helping others as simply part of being a responsible member of the community. Making a difference is so accessible and requires minimal time commitment. “My blood regenerates quickly, and I receive detailed quality blood results post-donation for my own safety. I see this as a win-win situation and can only encourage everyone to consider donating blood and saving lives. It doesn’t matter how often you donate – all that matters is that you contribute!”
Blood donation appointments in the region
29. November Adlwang elementary school 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., December 16th and 17th, ÖAMTC base Steyr/Gleink, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., December 18th, Parish of Münichholz, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., December 20th Rotkreuz Haus Steyr from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., December 30th, Maria Neustift retirement home from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., January 2nd and 3rd Aschach Community Center from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more details on blood donation, please visit: roteskreuz.at
What are the key motivations that drive individuals like Lukas Reiter and Ronald Freudenthaller to donate blood regularly?
## Interview with Blood Donation Champions: Lukas Reiter and Ronald Freudenthaller
**Interviewer**: Thank you both for joining us today to discuss the blood donation marathon happening in Steyr & Steyr-Land. Lukas, let’s start with you. You’ve donated an impressive 85 times! What keeps you motivated?
**Lukas Reiter**: Well, it all started the moment I turned 18. I felt an overwhelming urge to help others, and donating blood seemed like a straightforward way to do that. Every time I donate, I get this incredible sense of fulfillment. Plus, I love receiving that notification on my smartphone confirming that I’m helping save lives. It’s like a little reminder that my actions matter.
**Interviewer**: That’s a fantastic motivation! Ronald, you’ve taken a different approach. You began donating out of curiosity. How did that curiosity evolve into such a commitment?
**Ronald Freudenthaller**: It has been quite the journey! I initially wanted to see what the process was like, but once I realized how critical blood donations are for people in need, there was no turning back. After a few standard donations, I started donating platelets every four weeks. It became a part of my routine, and I felt I could make a significant impact.
**Interviewer**: It’s incredible to see how your motivations have transformed into a long-term commitment. Ronald, you also mentioned you respond to urgent calls for your specific blood type. That sounds like it requires a lot of spontaneity!
**Ronald Freudenthaller**: Absolutely! When there’s an urgent need, I make it a point to drop everything and go donate. Thankfully, my employer supports this by allowing me to take time off work to do so. It feels great to be part of a system that values life-saving measures.
**Interviewer**: Lukas, many people might hesitate to donate due to concerns about the process. What would you say to someone on the fence about donating?
**Lukas Reiter**: I completely understand those hesitations; I felt the same way initially. However, I can assure you, the process is straightforward and quick. The feeling you get from knowing you’ve helped someone is truly unparalleled. Plus, you never know when you might find yourself in need of blood too! Just think of it as giving back to the community.
**Interviewer**: Definitely a perspective worth considering! Now that we’re in the blood donation marathon period, what would you say is the most rewarding aspect of participating in such campaigns?
**Ronald Freudenthaller**: For me, it’s about building a community spirit. Seeing more people come together to contribute makes every donation feel even more meaningful. Each drop of blood is vital!
**Lukas Reiter**: I agree! It’s all about solidarity. This marathon showcases how together, we can make a difference. And let’s not forget, it’s the perfect time to spread holiday cheer by helping those in need.
**Interviewer**: Thank you both for sharing your inspiring stories and insights! Any final words for potential donors?
**Ronald Freudenthaller**: Just do it! Step out of your comfort zone—you might find it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
**Lukas Reiter**: And remember, every donation counts. Mark those calendar dates, gather your friends, and let’s save some lives together!
**Interviewer**: Wonderful advice! Thank you both for your commitment to this cause and for inspiring others to become heroes in their own right.
