I remember the first pint of blood I ever donated was in the basement of the old Lynn Hospital on Boston Street. I don’t remember who needed the blood or what the illness was, but I was glad to donate. After the procedure, the old nurse reached under the cabinet and came up with a bottle of Seagram’s VO. How many fingers do you want? Said the nurse. I said I’d take 3 fingers. I left with a warm stomach and a warm heart.
After the experience, I continued to donate to the American Red Cross through the Lynn Knights of Columbus program. Our son, David Jr., and I are past Grand Knights of Valladoilid Council #70, Knights of Columbus on 177 Lynnfield Street in Lynn. After many tears of donating, our son and I ended up with medicines that prohibited us from donating. Our family continued to be involved in the blood program.
After many years of donating, I found myself in need of 3 pints after some serious surgeries this past year. 2 pints at Mass General Brigham, Boston, and 1 pint at Salem Hospital. I was very grateful that I had been a donor for many years. Because of the storms and poor weather this past winter, donations are way down, and we need your help very much.
The Lynn Community Blood Drives for the American Red Cross are sponsored by the Lynn Knights of Columbus on the first Tuesday of each month at the Pondview Room (upstairs). To join efforts, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter LYNN to schedule an appointment or contact Dave Jr. at 781-953-4832.
David J. Solimine Sr. is the founder and director of Solimine Funeral Homes and a lifelong Lynn resident.
