Since my dear husband Ian passed, many friends and family have expressed that they would like to do something to help during this sad time. I would love to celebrate Ian’s life by doing something meaningful.

Two years ago Ian was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. At diagnosis his cancer was very advanced, causing extreme anemia. So Ian got regular blood transfusions, probably more than 50. I can’t count the number of hours and days we spent in the hospital while he got the blood that kept him alive and allowed him to continue fighting the cancer. It is very common for cancer patients to need blood transfusions either because of the cancer has spread or because of the side effects of treatments.

Because of COVID-19, less people are donating blood and there is currently a blood shortage. Other patients like Ian are suffering. The Red Cross is still taking donations of blood, but now you sign up for an appointment and wear your mask to be safe.

If you’ve been wondering what you can do to help and show your love for me and Ian – this is it! I’m asking for my friends to make an appointment and give blood to the American Red Cross through a Virtual Blood Drive. It’s easy to find an appointment that’s near to you. The impact we can make together is the best gift I can imagine.

Please donate to my campaign!

It is so easy…

Posted on: August 28, 2020

Thanks so much to all my friends who have already donated! We are more than a quarter of the way there. I donated for the first time today and it was surprisingly easy even in this time of COVID.

It has been an education learning about some of the frustrating limitations on who can donate and who can’t (sexually active gay men for example). But I know many people need transfusions, so I’m still working on this.

I’m going to be sending out additional social media posts, so just know how much I appreciate your help and how much it means to me to be able to help others during this sad time for me.