It’s you and me that counts
RC Muyenga Tankhill donates blood.
My name is Felicia Nakatudde and here is my story. “ 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Cancer….” And on and on it goes…
All of us have heard these dreadful stories and continue to hear them every day as our nation bleeds from the ravages of disease. You would think that this only happens in Uganda and that our experiences are isolated. The truth is, it’s happening all around us and neither our thoughts nor our reality can interspace us from the cries of Mother World.
What do we know about disease and what has Rotary done about it?
For the past 8 years, Rotarians in D9211 through the cancer run program have made it their mission to fight this dreadful disease called cancer by raising substantial resources that have built the Rotary Cancer Centre in Nsambya Hospital. Many volunteers have taken it upon themselves to rally the nation into recognizing the need for action. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, fresh interventions and flexible sensitisations continue to be explored as we all seek to get rid of cancer for good.
Like many challenges, the cancer fight is a mountain to climb and Rotarians have not embarked on the fight because it’s easy. “They are doing it because it’s precisely difficult. They believe that by coming together and raising awareness and funds, tomorrow will be a better place for many after us.
Like Cancer, Rotarians at RC Muyenga Tankhill say, — that no one should die as a result of lack of blood. That life is valuable — and valuable things such as life — deserve to be protected — that by giving — we can save lives and change society.
In pursuit of social change, RC Muyenga Tankhill decided that it is important for our community to be made aware of the challenges of disease and blood donation. In partnership with Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, they organised a blood donation drive at Kabalagala Market aimed at: I) raising awareness about the challenges of disease and the need to prevent them through healthy living and 2) the power of donating blood and its importance in society.
The day started with a fitness and nutrition activity at Hotel International Muyenga which was graced by Rotarians, Rotaractor’s, friends and enthusiasts of fitness.
Shortly after a brisk routine, members walked to Kabalagala where a medical team from Mengo Rotary Blood Bank were eagerly waiting for their participation. The activity commenced with a health talk from medical practitioners that was graced by members of Kabalagala Market and the surrounding communities of Kikubamutwe. The talk was aimed at enlightening possible blood donors and members of the public about disease prevention and blood donation.
The blood drive was graced by Owek. PDG (Past District Governor) Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa as the chief guest. He commended the efforts of the RC Muyenga Tankhill towards disease prevention, fitness and nutrition and donating blood. 110 units of blood were collected despite the drastic weather that day.
As a scholar of social well being, the proceedings of the day were an affirmation of many things. First, we have a duty to care and be authors of hope and purpose.
Although our generation is full of continuous needs; we must put in all the effort to ensure that the change that we seek starts from us. And this includes being advocates of good intention and better social benefiting friendships. By challenging conventionality — we are giving life a positive opportunity to thrive.
Through these efforts like donating blood, and encouraging our brothers and sisters to join the cause, we are answering God’s call of being servants of meaning and advocates of opportunity. As goal aspirants and goal makers, we are indirectly creating a society that is accountable to each other, seeks for better and encourages positive living.
This is why I remind you all that the Blood Banks still need blood and only you can give it.
And this is exactly, why you should keep donating blood.
Luwaga Gyaviira
Communication & media
RC Muyenga Tankhill
