JENNIFER RODRIGUEZ DONATES BLOOD FOR T.E.A.R.S. SCHOOL STUDENT Video

When I heard that we had a sick student from TEARS School that was in desperate need of O+ blood, I volunteered immediately to give her some of mine. It wasn't until we were on our way there that I began to remember that I hate needles with a passion! I've never donated blood before, so this was a unique experience all around. The lady at the blood bank was fabulous, and I didn't even feel the needle stick for the blood sample I gave to start with. They took a sample, ran some tests to make sure I didn't have any communicable diseases, and an hour later I was giving a pint of blood for our sweet Marlenis. I guess you've lived in a foreign country for too long when a power outage in the middle of donating blood doesn't even phase you!! Honestly, I didn't even think about it or remember it until I watched the video!! :-) I didn't know Marlenis very well before all of this, but after spending a couple of days with her at the hospital, I have come to love her dearly. She is so precious! The doctors have diagnosed Marlenis with a rare, hereditary chronic anemia that requires regular blood transfusions. Due to some other complications, she spent about 8 weeks in the hospital and has only recently been released to come home. She is still struggling to recuperate, and we would appreciate your prayers as she and her family work through this difficult time!