Hello,

I looked into this a few years ago, and the Red Cross rep told me they changed their rules and now did allow blood donations from cancer survivors. Somehow I haven't done it though. I think part of me still fears something - from all those years I believed I could not donate.

I was told, during the stricter years, that a cornea was outside of the limits - so I could donate that if I wanted to.

I guess it's up to the blood organization and the individual giving. How many folks have latent cancer (cancer can be latent up to 20 years) and give blood? There's such a blood shortage oftentimes. Tough issue.

Great thought, though. Whatever you decide, there's much volunteer work and other ways you can give of yourself.

Take care,

Cathy V.

I totally agree with Gary on this. As an organ or blood recipient, I don't think one needs to have to worry about whether the donor has had cancer along with all the other things they have to worry about. I think a better way to help, if you really want to, is convince a healthy friend or family member who otherwise would not have donated, to donate in place of you.

Take care,
Eileen

Great idea!