Melbourne, Florida
In the mid 1980s a woman in our church was in dire need of platelets and her two sons were not able to donate. I thought, "this is something I can do to help", so I made my appointment and donated my first platelets while living in AZ. Over the years I have donated platelets in FL, NC, AZ, NJ, NY, WV and now, having settled in Brevard County, I donate platelets regularly. About 18 months ago our daughter in CT was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and thankfully was cured in September 2024.
During her chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation she frequently needed all sorts of blood products. Though not living near her, I vicariously "paid it forward" and donated for someone needing platelets in Central Florida. In March of this year that same daughter was diagnosed with ALL (Leukemia) and her only hope was a stem cell transplant. Chemo began in early March, one of our sons was tested and determined to be a 100% match! The infusion of his stem cells just took place on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. Since Amy's ALL discovery, I give platelets twice a month (or any time I am available) - sharing the gift of life with someone else in need. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to donate platelets and assist another person/family who are going through any kind of Cancer/Leukemia or Leukemia treatment. Faithfully, The Rev. Scott T. H., retired Episcopal priest
