Something not to take for granted...

jdp21

For all those people out there who find they are constantly struggling everyday trying to lose weight. Falling on and off that wagon. It just seems so hard for you. I know how that feels.

This isn't a success story of mine, but moreso the most recent inspiration in my life for me to start becoming more physically active.

I'm 21, and my oldest brother who is 32 had been going for blood tests for the last several years ever since the Red Cross banned him from donating blood because they claimed they found traces of HIV/AIDS in his. It was just until very recently that he was given his final diagnosis - he has mixed connective tissue disease. In simple terms, his body is eating his muscles. Someday, he will be in a wheelchair. I love my brother. I have three (including him), plus a younger sister. He is the one I am closest with; we have so much in common and I feel a big part of who I am is because of him...

So, knowing that my brother will someday become incapable of being physically active is what is motivating me now to become a stronger, healthier person. I want to live what he won't be able to do in the future not out of spite of him, but in honour of him.

I decided to share this with you guys because of those of you who feel it is pointless to even try. DON'T feel like it's pointless. It's not. Look at people like my brother who someday won't ever be able to even try. You all owe it to yourselves to try and be the healthiest person you can be. Don't take your body for granted.

itsmenatalie

Wow, thanks for the good reminder. I hope your brother will be ok and his disease will progress very slowly.

tammietifanie

This brought tears to my eyes!!! It's so true that you never know where life will take you and you shouldn't take it for granted . Your brother is beyond lucky to have a loving family and i'll pray for him...

herowithinyou

Thank you so much for sharing this...I'm so sorry about your brother, and it's wonderful that you're honoring him in the way that you are.

agarlits

Is that connected with the false positive?

The red cross banned me for the same reason 2 years ago and I've had blood work done regularly since then and they've never found anything. That worries me now.

barbarella

Thanks for sharing your story. :flowerforyou:

So sorry about your brother.
You do him great honor - you both are heroes I'd say!

Best to you both! :flowerforyou:

jdp21

agarlits, I wouldn't worry about it. The difference between my brother and yourself is that after they found it in his system, it showed up in all his blood tests. You seem to have avoided anything and it looks to be nothing more of an oversight on the part of the Red Cross for you. Of course a blood test never hurts! But I think you'll be fine.

And thanks for all the comments. :-)