"The child was a very sick . Nobody could donate the blood because there was not that guy and I knew it. Without anyone coming to see me, I went to his house to offer to donate the blood. So the boy recovered".
"My blood is O negative, a blood that is not abundant, so to everyone who needs it for me is a joy, a satisfaction to save a life. Not only here, but where it is needed and free of charge ", are the reasons given by Magdeline Collazo when she questioned her about what led her to become a voluntary blood donor.
Like her, many other unsung heroes daily extend their arms to save a life. That is the case of Yarien Santiesteban, a young officer of the Ministry of the Interior who became a donor 14 years ago, when he had just turned 18. For him, "the most noble thing a human being has is his blood and contribute to it. that another person be saved is already a reason to donate. That gesture ennobles the person. "
Yarien laughs that faint he suffered when sitting the fourth donation. However, that small obstacle did not stop his will and today he affirms: "It was the first and only time that I have fainted. He had to see a little youth, but now I can donate to, sat, head, as you wish without problems. And I will continue to donate while I can. "
This young person also assures that to the new generation he corresponds "to continue the legacy of not so young. They have to know that anyone can have a health situation or a family member who needs a transfusion or a medication that is derived from the blood that is very big. That is the importance of donating blood. "
Among those with a little more experience to which Yarien referred is Pastor Toranzo, one of the most recognized donors of this Calixtean geography. Pastor has turned this noble gesture into a family tradition, as he says that "I inherited it from my mother. She was a donor and I went on her way. From the age of 18 I am donating and will continue while I can. "
But it is not enough for him to have inherited it, but he tries to transmit it to the youngest ones. "In my neighborhood, in Las Barías, I am always aware of when donations are made and I look for people, I talk to them about the importance that it has. We already have a group that donates and over time I think there are many more. "
Now it is the other experiences that make the call to the youngest. Thus says Pastor: "Ask the young people to join. That is good, that they are not afraid, that they will help save lives. "
Stories could be found many, if we follow the trail of the donors of this western Holguin territory. We would find the one who started before a case of necessity, after an accident. We would have the experiences of those who have conveyed the importance of this action from parents to children. Or perhaps the young man who runs through his veins the so-called universal blood and who now has a part in various Cuban provinces, since they have required their solidarity from them.
So men, women, young people, a little older, of different races and coming from the most diverse places of this territory cross our streets, trails, roads. They study, educate, provide services, promote physical exercise, work the land or are self-employed. However, all are part of that anonymous and selfless army that has made saving lives an inseparable part of theirs. And because they know the value of what they do they continue to extend their arms.
