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Headed in the Right Direction

Blood Centers of the Pacific

Nick Razzo was driving one day, when he realized something was wrong. He had been driving in the wrong direction for the past 40 miles, going north when he was supposed to head south to San Jose, CA.

“I had been feeling fatigued for several months and at first thought it was due to stress, work or that I had been exercising two hours every morning,” said Nick, 53. “But when I drove in the wrong direction that day, I definitely knew it was something more serious and decided to visit the doctor.”

Nick had a liver panel check and after several tests were conducted, was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. He needed a liver transplant.

“I was checked into CPMC (California Pacific Medical Center) in October 2002,” said Nick, father of two sons. “Seven months later on May 3rd, 2003, I received my liver transplant and as a result used blood and lots of plasma. I had also bled internally twice needing more blood.”

Although Nick doesn’t know how much blood he used, a typical liver transplant uses 50 blood components and more.

“I am thankful for all those people who donated blood and saved my life,” said Nick who’s self-employed. “Donating blood doesn’t cost a think and it helps someone. It’s a great way to give something back. Please donate blood if you can donate! You may be helping someone very close to you or some day helping yourself.”

Nick undergoes blood tests every two months to ensure his liver is functioning healthily, and checks in with his doctor every six months.

And after all that Nick has been through, his outlook on life is positive and upbeat. “I wake up every day and live for that. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Nick. “With the economic downturn, I took a hit and was depressed for awhile but then I thought, why get depressed when I have a wonderful wife and two kids. I should be happy!”

Nick is currently doing well and in high spirits. He also helps spread the awareness about blood donation and how it saved his life by speaking at several events in the community.

BCP wishes Nick continued health, and thanks him for taking up the cause of blood donation!

photo from faramarz

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Comments

  1. There isn’t a more worthwhile cause than helping to provide the blood that can save the lives of car accident victims.

    Adding to the supply is important, but it’s also of high value to reduce the demand. And a key way to do that today is to spread the word about the potentially catastrophic dangers of distracted driving, which is at epidemic levels in the US.

    Many states recognize that texting and making cell calls while driving is dangerous and can cause catastrophic car accidents, and laws have been passed in 29 states.

    But that’s not enough—the public must police itself, curb those calls and hang up and drive! More on this can be found at http://www.jimadler.com.

    Houston car accident lawyer | July 2010 | Houston

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