[Ruth Cuadra]

Cheri, thanks on behalf of all of us who've benefited from the generosity of blood and platelet donors. I'm part of that group and share your appreciation for their gifts. Some years ago, I was invited by the Red Cross to speak to a large group of their blood services workers. These are the people who do the work to collect, process, and transport blood and blood products. They see and know the donors and know they are doing important work, but they don't get to see the results of their efforts very often. They don't get to see and know the patients. So I stood up and told them how much they are appreciated and how much patients like me depend on them being there as much as we depend on the donors. They were pleased and maybe a little surprised to get such recognition. If you find yourself in contact with any of these wonderful people over the holidays, be sure to give them an extra thank you from all of us.

Happy holidays!
Ruth