Another year, another candle! I turn 51 on August 16, but it’s not about me this year. I’ve considered how to commemorate my birthday and really want to make a difference this year, so I’ve chosen a virtual blood drive in honor of someone special to me.

In the summer of 2019 I lost a very dear friend of mine to cancer:  Mary Ellen Peffer.  She was so much more than a colleague to me, she was a true friend who gave so much to everyone she met.  Even through her fight with cancer, Mary Ellen remained positive (even cheering me up on occasion).  I was so blessed to have her in my life!

One of the last visits I had with her, Mary Ellen told me, “I got blood last week; and let me tell you, I feel better!”

So here we are.

I considered doing 51 acts of kindness during my birthday week, but then realized acting kind should be a daily habit for me and not a special event.  Besides,  I wanted to do something bigger and more meaningful, so instead of random acts of kindness, I am doing a very intentional thing — sponsoring a blood drive in  honor of Mary Ellen.

Here’s my challenge.  Before I turn 52 years old, on August 16, 2020, I want to have 51 pints of blood donated in Mary Ellen’s name.  We’re going to hashtag our donations, too.  Now, I will donate as much as possible, but I don’t think I can give 51 pints without keeling over.  I need your help!

Please donate a pint of blood to your local blood center.  Take a picture (you can spare the gory details, if you want).  Post the picture on social media with #HonorMaryEllen as a caption.  Let’s do this!  She’d be proud.