Poor Nadia

Nadia is bogged down with exams, projects, college applications and senior-itis. Her Participation in Government class assignment is to do a community service project. Nadia plans on attending medical school after she receives her BA in Biology. So, she chose to base her community service on health. Nadia and Diane did the Cancer Walk in Albany last month and had lots of fun!

Then, tonight, Nadia donated blood for the first time to the Red Cross. Usually a cut and dry process...not for these 2! Diane had a list of errands a mile long to accomplish before 5:00. We arrived at the Community Center at 3:00...check in was PAINLESS and quick. Then the needle issue began!!! JEEEZZZZ....her vein looked good, but the apprentice didn't get the needle in correctly! The supervisor came over and about 10 minutes later had Nadia bleeding. She had a good steady flow and then just as she was almost done, she started clotting! More moving the needle!! Poor thing...she was so still and patient! I wanted to scream for her! The supervisor announced, "you are done for today, Nadia." Her vein was obnoxiously swollen by the time they were done at 4:30! And boy, was she sore! Then they told Nadia that they weren't sure if they got enough to use her donation! Nadia was miffed! Then a volunteer gave her fudge and peanut butter covered cookies...that really made her smile...you know how Nadia loves her CHOCOLATE!!! After 1.5 hours of enduring all that pain, we just went home and had some comforting soup and grilled cheese. Nadia is exhausted...went to bed at 7:30! The pictures alone should get her extra credit!!!