Your View 3/15

With the coming of spring, we see signs of new life all around us. The American Red Cross is dedicated to life and the very heartbeat of our mission. We are in the business of saving lives. We would like to thank donors in the area for sharing that same dedication as they rolled up their sleeves March 7 at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston to give their blood - the gift of life!

On behalf of the people's lives that you saved, we give you our gratitude and extended thankfulness for your generosity. There is absolutely nothing you could have done that day or any other more important than helping to save someone's life. Because of your community pride, you ensure that blood is on the shelves, ready to use in case of tragedy such as Sept. 11, or for surgeries, accidents, leukemia patients, premature births, and the list goes on. You see, there is no substitute for your blood and we can't save lives without it.

We would like to give appreciation to our sponsors: Good Humor-Breyers and Ryan's for donating refreshments to supply donors. As always, we applaud KSIM and of course the Standard Democrat for publicizing the blood drive.

The success of a blood drive is also dependent on the volunteers. We couldn't do it without you and you are the silent heroes that keep the Red Cross working. A special thank you to Wanda Throop and her students for volunteering their time and services.

You most likely will never know who you helped keep alive, and neither will they know you, but that doesn't matter. It's the patriotism that you displayed by sacrificing yourself. You may not be on the front lines protecting America's life, but my friends, you love your neighbors and in that, we are united. That bond is what makes America worth fighting for. We are comrades together, helping to protect our nation and neighbors by preserving life.

Thank you for giving the gift of life, because help can't wait.

Freida Cardwell, American Red Cross