We are reaching out to all our family, friends, acquaintances, loved ones, and to all within reach of our voice. Now is the time to make a difference. Please “roll up your sleeve” and donate what only you can give, blood.

We almost lost our “Whit” our beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfater, great grandfather, mentor, teacher, coach and friend. I watched (Kristine here), as the life drained from his body. He became “transparent”. 26 hours later, after a wide ranging search and some heroic measures by his treating doctors, blood was found that could match his. This was blood that had been given by someone we did not know and we will be forever grateful.

I’ve watched all of the campaign drives in the past. I have made excuses. And, I know how this amazing red liquid saves lives. I’ve watched it before. In my days as an RN in critical care, I have seen the life drain from loved ones when, for whatever reason, blood was not available. And, in my lifetime there has not been a more critical need for blood than right now. We need your help. We are not alone.

Whit’s doctors have shared with us that, although Whit’s condition is unusual and challenging, more often than not, these doctors are having to scour the country for blood. In Whit’s case, he was newly diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Within a month we were in the emergency room because his Hemoglobin had dropped to 5.4. He was in what is called a “lysis crisis” where his White Blood Cells, in an autoimmune reaction, attack his Red Blood Cells. It happens fast. Whit’s hemoglobin dropped into the 4’s during the 26 hour search for a match. While we fight his Lymphoma we now must fight Leukemia and he needs periodic transfusions. In addition, we may face another “crisis” at any time.

So many of our family and friends have offered to “roll up their sleeves” and we are grateful for the support. We have created this campaign to not only provide a vehicle for those who are ready to donate, but to alert as many as possible just how critical the blood shortage is at this time.

Here’s how it works: