Pheresis

As my wife and I drove by the American Red Cross Center in Springfield, Massachusetts I quickly turned in and said we were going in to donate blood. I have done this many times over the course of the years but this day was to be different. As I was lying there I inquired as to how I could be of greater help. Was there something better that I could do to help others in need? They ask if I had ever considered giving platelets. I didn't even know what they were let alone would I want to donate them. They asked a nurse from that department to come over and explain. She not only came to tell me about that type of donation but also asked if I could be tested to see what my count was to determine if I could, if fact, donate.

When the results came back days later I was told I could donate and was asked if I would do that. I said yes and I was on my way. Even though I have only had the procedure done about twelve times I plan to go as often as possible. I would also like to do my small part to educate people on the need for this donation.

Below is the site for Dana-Farber and how to donate platelets. Please take the time to visit the site and to inquire about platelets. It's another step in the fight against cancer.

I have since chosen to donate directly to a hospital where I bypass the Red Cross, as I have been dissapointed by their operations and how they run their organization. I feel it is unfair to the many dedicated individuals who donate money and time to assist their many projects. Email me if you would like to know more as it applies to this decision.

http://www.dana-farber.org/how/donateblood/donating-platelets.html

Locally, contact Baystate Medical for more information.

Meals on Wheels

My wife and I have been contributing our time in our town for a number of months through our local Senior Service Center. We deliver meals to homebound individuals in our town on the average of once a month. The Senior Center packages the meals where we pick them up between 10:30 and 11:00 A.M. On a regular day, we deliver to approximately 20 individuals on one of two routes in town. Our day ends around noon with the satisfaction of helping those who are in need.

Please do your part by getting in touch with your local Senior Center to see how you can help.

Locally that is: http://www.longmeadow.org/seniorcenter/mainpage.html

Distant Learning

Susan & I were involved with installing computers in the homes of clients in the Partners for Community program. These clients, primarily young adults, pursued their GED or career training. We went into their homes and set them up with computers and on-line connectivity where they then followed lessons in their Distant Learning classes. It was a pleasure working on this project and seeing the happy faces as we gave them a new purpose in life. Please call or write us if you would like more information on what we did in this area. We visited the homes of over 80 clients in Springfield, Holyoke, Southbridge, and Pittsfield, MA.