Several years ago my mom was diagnosed with anemia. In her late 80’s is when her hemoglobin levels got to a point of her needing blood transfusions. Twice a month she got transfusions of 2 bags of blood. The actual transfusion wasn’t that bad but she hated the preparation. She had small veins and her skin was very soft and it was very painful for her as they tried to insert the catheter. I hated seeing her and wished so much that my arm could be used instead of hers. As painful as it was we knew it was necessary. This process was continued until last year just before her 97th birthday. The blood gave her strength and extended her life and I am so grateful for those donors who cared enough to literally give a part of themselves or their finances that aided in this process for my mom. Their unselfish act of love can only be repaid by giving back what was given to my mom. We live in a very diverse world of many races, religions, ethnic backgrounds and more but one thing we all have in common. It’s the blood that flows through all of our veins and gives us strength and life. My mom would have been 98 yrs old on June 21, 2019 so in honor of her, Mattie Nesbitt, I am asking for your gift of love by way of blood or financial donation. My mom can no longer benefit from it but there are many others now and in the future who can. I thank God for shedding His blood for us and on behalf of my mom I thank the donors for giving theirs.