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Red Cross Says "Thank You" In Writing Save Email Print
Cards sent to blood donors
Posted: 6:34 PM Mar 24, 2008
Last Updated: 7:38 PM Mar 24, 2008
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

A | A | A

The American Red Cross is mailing thank you cards to blood donors and the courtesy note is bringing them and others back.

"I had a friend that I worked with who was donating and talked me into trying it, so I've been doing it ever since,” says Scott Henry of Council Bluffs. Every two weeks he takes time out of his day to visit the American Red Cross at 38th and Dewey.

"Platelets and plasma, I've had 25 donations." Henry says it's no big deal and it's one small thing he can do to help someone in need. "It's a good thing to do. It could save a life. I mean it only takes an hour, hour-and-a-half. Just come in, watch TV, relax a little bit."

Roberta Silverthorn of Madison County, Iowa believes donors like Henry are giving a little bit more. Her husband Fred benefits from blood donations. He is currently undergoing a stem cell transplant at the Nebraska Medical Center, so he needs a lot of transfusions. Blood donations have helped keep him alive.

"When he was trying to collect for his stem cells, they had to give him platelets so that he could collect just to even have the transplant and depending on where his red cells and white cells, he may have to have platelets again," says wife Roberta. "He may have to have blood products again, so it's very important for him."

To show appreciation for what donors like Henry do, the American Red Cross is sending out thank you cards. "It hits home,” says Danelle Schlegelmilch of the Red Cross. “They show it to their boss or wife or kids, just to show we are helping people in Omaha and it encourages others to come in and give also."

Henry's already received two cards, all for giving a little of himself to someone else. "It's a great gift, it's a gift of life," says Roberta.

Last year, more than 7,200 blood donors received thank you notes.

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Posted by: blue on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I really wish I could donate. I was told that I couldn’t because my dad was stationed in Germany back in 1984 and we lived there for 4 years. Does anyone know when that will change? Thanks

Posted by: Sam on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM
My wife is a nurse & works for the Red Cross. She is humbled by the number of donors she sees & most are on a regular basis. Keep up the good work everyone & "GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE!"

Posted by: Former donor on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Keep up the good work donors! I used to donate, but because of a medication I must take am no longer allowed to do so. My oldest child turns 16 this year and I will be encouraging him to donate. Thank you to all of you who donate not only your time, but a life-saving gift.

Posted by: Stephanie on Mar 25, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I was moved to tears last year when I received a card that thanked me on behalf of a 37-year old mother who received my blood donation. I'm fortunate to be one of many who can donate.

Posted by: Humble Service on Mar 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
It is really quite humbling to receive a card with information where my donations have gone...they truly touch one's soul and I really know I have made a difference when I have received these cards.

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