As Thanksgiving approaches, we often reflect on what we are grateful for and how we can give back. This year, I want to share a story that has deeply moved me most of this year and highlights a profound way we can all give back.
My friends Josh and Emily Brown's ten-year-old son, Isaac, is bravely battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Not only are the Brown’s our neighbors in Columbus, you will recognize Josh as one of my backpacking buddies over the last decade and a half. Despite Isaac’s challenges, their strength and hope as a family have been positively inspiring to me and everyone following their journey. Emily shared on social media recently about their harrowing experience with Isaac's need for blood transfusions, which really opened my eyes to the grave need there is in our country.
Isaac's journey illuminates this critical need- a scarcity of blood and platelets and a lack of those who can give. Despite being a new donor, Emily stepped up to contribute and discovered that donating whole blood is a relatively quick and simple process. However, the need for platelets is more pressing, as they are consumed more rapidly by patients like Isaac.
Platelet donation takes about two hours, however you can donate every seven days compared to whole blood that can only be given every 56 days. Either way, it is a small commitment in time for such a huge and sacrificial act of kindness. In a recent Caring Bridge post, Emily expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those who have already donated or attempted to donate blood. She said that everyone’s generosity has been an absolute lifeline for Isaac and many others.
But again, the current situation highlights a stark reality- blood donation is crucial right now to save lives.
Here’s my appeal.
This Thanksgiving, let's extend a spirit of gratitude and giving by considering blood or platelet donation. It's an easy way to give back and is a gift of life to those in need. For some, like Isaac, it's critical in their fight for survival.
As we gather with our families and friends this Thanksgiving, let's remember those families who are fighting battles like Isaac's. Your donation can make a tangible difference in their lives. It's more than just a slogan; it's a reality that donating blood saves lives. Let Isaac's story inspire us to perform acts of kindness that can have a lasting impact.
Your contribution could be the reason someone else gets to celebrate many more Thanksgivings.
Please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment today.
Peace,
Brandon