76 Units & Go Blackhawks!

Thanks to all of you,

our 6th Annual Erin Potts Memorial Blood Drive

was a huge success. 

In spite of my concern earlier in the week about a lower than usual number of registered donors, so many of you stepped forward, again.  And then, we had our first timers!  You did it! Piece of cake, right?

The total number of units collected yesterday was 76,

which is an outstanding response!

Collectively, you'll be assisting 228 individuals who are

in need of blood products, as each donated unit

can impact up to three lives.

Yep, that's pretty great!

 

Knowing firsthand how the majority of us have to cram in so many to-do's on a typical Saturday, I'm grateful to you for choosing to make the time to stop in amidst grocery shopping, trips to Home Depot, yard work, track meets, ball games, etc.  Hopefully your experience with us was a positive one, and the LifeSource staff got you in and out fairly quickly.  If you were unable to join us, you can stop at any LifeSource center or mobile unit anytime throughout the year (some folks do so on a regular basis) and use Erin Potts Code 556C.  We are eligible to donate blood every 8 weeks. 

 

A very special thank you goes to Erin's dear friend Kristin who came from Milwaukee to donate, and after doing so, drove back north to don cap and gown to graduate from Marquette University Law School... "so Erin could be part of this special day in my life".

I'm so deeply grateful, and still very weepy (in a good way) today...  yeah, wow.



2008 Relay for Life "E-Unit" Team

Each year I say, "This will be the last blood drive I host", and then I think about the number of lives we have the opportunity to impact (close to 800 units collected thus far) when we're encouraged to pause for a bit and think beyond the busyness of our own little spheres, and I wind up scheduling the next one!  So... you'll probably hear from me next May!

 

While I have you here on this dreary Sunday morning,

I want to share a few of the Scatter Kindness monthly treats we've given to our patients. 

 

For St. Patrick's Day,

we put together a shamrock cup of goodies.

 

 

We included some gold and silver nuggets

and a scratch-off lottery ticket.

Can you believe that out of 50 lottery tickets,

only one patient won... $2.00!  Really?!  Come on!!

***

In April, the Easter bunny stopped by

with a little CARE package.

 

 

 And now, we're in the midst of a

very exciting Blackhawks season.

These were shared with patients over the past week.

 

 

We have some pretzel rod hockey sticks,

some brownie bite pucks,

a combo bag of red & black M & M's

and a hockey-themed message.

(One patient, an 80 yr old gentleman, told me he was saving his treats 'til game time today, and his beer was going in his new cup. Now that's the spirit!)

 

 

Game time today is 2:00.

Is everyone dressed appropriately?

 

 

Thanks again to all of you who support my causes. 

 

 

- sometimes in the winds of change

we find our true direction -



What Type Are You?

The Giving Type, of course!

 

Thanks to those of you who've

already signed up to participate in our

annual blood drive on May 16th.

 700+ units have been collected since

our first drive in 2010.

You've positively impacted the lives of so many people!

Please join us again.

Details are listed below this year's flyer.

 

Calling all experienced veterans and also first time donors!

Be sure to eat a hearty meal

and drink lots of fluids before coming.

 

I know how busy everyone is,

but please consider taking a few minutes

to stop in Morrissey Hall on May 16th.

Bring a friend or two.

I'll bet you'll run into some folks you know!

 

Even though walk-ins are more than welcome,

it's best for planning purposes if you sign up ahead of time

so LifeSource can anticipate the number of donors

and staff the event accordingly.

 

Check your calendar, and then...

* Register via the LifeSource website HERE. *

* Call the LifeSource phone number listed above. *

* Email me and I'll be happy to schedule you. *

 

See you all on the 16th.

TAKE THAT, CANCER!!!

 

 

The EPI and a little Encourage "mint"!

We offer sincere thanks to each and every one of you who helped make the 6th Annual Erin Potts Invitational Volleyball Tournament a success. Over $7,000 was collected this year!

 

Whether it was through the donation of time, money, raffle items or food/beverages, or you were a participating player/coach in the games or a cheering fan in the stands, you made a significant contribution to our cause.

 

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!   

 

Our first-hand experience with the cancer world affords us an understanding of the importance of initiatives that meet the emotional and financial needs of patients as they find their way through the challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment path of this disease. 

The name of my blog, taken from Bob Dylan's Forever Young which is copied in the sidebar... when the winds of changes shift... rings true day in and day out.  Our goal is to strengthen that ground, that foundation, as individuals tip and sway from the effects of this awful disease.  

 

Scatter Kindness was launched just a year ago, and because of your generosity

we've been able to impact so many lives, and we're just getting started! 

Proceeds from the tournament will continue to fund intentional acts of Kindness directed toward patients at both Hinsdale and LaGrange Hospitals.  These include:
 

Celebratory gifts given when individuals complete treatment.  Financial support - gas and grocery cards, money for medications/health-related supplies, etc. - provided to patients who are struggling to make ends meet. 

 

Monthly themed care packages... because hugs, kisses and sweets are just as important as nasty cancer treatments.  Hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

 

AND, hot off the kitchen island this weekend... a little encourage "mint" offered to patients as they begin treatment or come for a procedure - port placement, biopsy, surgery...  I'm so excited about sharing these in the coming days!   

 

We extend our hands to you in deep gratitude

for helping us remember Erin in such a positive way; 

through actions that impact the lives of others.

By doing so, you've chosen to be part of something very special. 

 

P.S.  Pictures from the tournament are ready. Our photographer, Kevin, has loaded them onto the Shutterfly Website.  Click on the link to take you to the site.  Password is "kindness", naturally!

 

Donations are gratefully accepted any time the spirit moves you. 

Please see information in the sidebar.  Thank you!