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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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0

It’s in You to Give San Pedro

by tacogirl 31/10/2014
written by tacogirl 31/10/2014

I got a call from a friend late Friday afternoon that we had a blood emergency on our hands. One of their dear friends had gone into liver failure, had been flown to Belize Health Care Partners hospital in Belize City and was in need of 5 pints of blood asap. He wanted to know what to do – how could they get her  blood?   If need be, he was ready to find five people to head to the city to donate.

I assured him that we had at least 80 pints in our reserve and, since she was an island resident, she was eligible for some of that blood. After getting her details down, I immediately got on the phone and started calling all of our board members who were eligible to sign off on blood. None of them were at their desk to do the paperwork and one did not answer their phone. I quickly sent out an email with all of the info so that the paperwork could be done by the first person who got to the form. Up till  now all our blood requests had been in advance for planned surgeries and not an emergency so this was a good but intense learning experience for everyone.

Within minutes of sending the email, Shirlee, our secretary (who happened to be at Atlanta airport on her way to New Orleans for the weekend), popped me in gchat and guided me forward for to make it happen.

I tried the number Shirlee gave me for the blood bank, but got an odd message on the phone. Google to the rescue – I immediately called Karl Heusner to patch me through to Belize Blood Services, found out they close at 3 p.m. on Fridays and were not going to be open Monday.  We had to come up with a Plan B fast!  Shirlee was about to board a plane, we both knew this was urgent and Monday was not an option – 5 pints is a lot of blood to require. Shirlee found Miguel from the Cancer Society’s number and I called him and explained I was with San Pedro Red Cross and we had a major emergency on our hands and Miguel was able to hook me up with Nurse Doreen in Belize City. She answered right away and assured me she would be able to help and sure enough she got 5 pints of our supply released that night.

Unfortunately the patient is still in critical condition. We are all sending out positive thoughts that she takes a turn for the better. Her husband and his friends were very appreciative of the help they were able to get from the San Pedro Red Cross and grateful they did not have to find 5 people to fly over to Belize City to donate Friday Afternoon.

[divider]

You Can Help by Donating Blood

“What if someone you loved needed blood, and it wasn’t there?”

San Pedro Belize Red Cross is working hard to increase our blood supply for locals and tourists of Ambergris Caye. Join the San Pedro Red Cross, Cancer Society and the Belize Blood Bank for our blood drive Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at  San Carlos Medical on Middle Street. The blood drive is sponsored by DigiCell and Tropic Air.

Donating blood is a simple process that can save lives. When preparing for donating blood, think Red:

  • Rest and get a good nights sleep.
  • Eat a good breakfast with foods high in iron.
  • Drink plenty of healthy fluids starting the day before you donate.

Following a short screening process, the donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. A single unit of blood (475 mL or 1 pint) taken during a donation which is  about 8-10% of the total in your system. Your body keeps on replenishing blood all the time whether you give blood or not, so this amount is quickly replaced.

After you donate, the blood is then delivered to Belize City by Blood Services and equally allocated there for use by Ambergris Caye.

Interesting Blood Facts

Five percent of hospitalized patients require blood with the average person requiring about three pints.

Four main red blood cell types: A, B, AB and O. Each can be positive or negative for the Rh factor. AB is the universal recipient; O negative is the universal donor of red blood cells.

Whole blood is made of several components that can be transfused separately or together to treat various conditions:

  • Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide through the lungs.
  • White blood cells protect the body from infection. (They also, however, can carry viruses and bacteria-which is why they are removed from donated blood.)
  • Platelets provide the basis for clotting, which helps control bleeding.
  • Plasma is a liquid containing proteins that help fight infection and assist clotting. Plasma distributes nutrients to tissues and transports waste products to the lungs, liver and kidneys.

Please help us reach our goal of 100 pints, your gift of blood can save a life.

San Pedro Red Cross would like to thank the following businesses for helping make this commercial possible.

Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
DigiCell
Tropic Air Belize
Banana Beach Resort
Carts Belize
Lola‘s Pub
Casa Picasso

San Pedro Red Cross would like to thank the following people for helping make this commercial.

Horacio Louis Guerrero
Josh Daniel Nunez
Martin Dawson
Catherine Dawson
Jack Burnette
Shirlee Arnould
Sara Brodie
Karen Brodie
Kendall Beymar
Barb Minniear
Matt Hoy
tacogirl.com
Make Belize Films
Robert Greig
Alex Gilroy Nicholas
Nurses at the Poly Clinic
Ralf

Related

tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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2 comments

Joann Reilly 01/11/2014 - 10:59 am

If you need help at the blood drive on Saturday, I would be happy to volunteer.

Reply
tacogirl 01/11/2014 - 5:36 pm

We need help Joann, thanks for your offer, emailed you.

Reply

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Darrell Moore
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13:15 18 Apr 22
Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
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Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
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Kristi Palm
20:40 12 Oct 21
We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
D Zep
D Zep
12:39 01 Oct 21
Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
Kelley Adams
Kelley Adams
20:19 21 Sep 21
We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
Pamela Nixon
Pamela Nixon
18:36 20 Sep 21
I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
Chris S
Chris S
17:12 17 Sep 21
Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
Ty Willingham
Ty Willingham
01:47 20 Aug 21
I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
Greg Cox
Greg Cox
18:58 04 Aug 21
I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones
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I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
Greg R
Greg R
02:12 29 Jun 21
tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
Katherine Carlson
Katherine Carlson
18:46 02 Jun 21
As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
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Kathleen Ward
18:29 02 Jun 21
We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
ksniegoc1
ksniegoc1
17:45 02 Jun 21
It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
Myra F
Myra F
01:30 25 Mar 21
I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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