City of Hope Blood Drive

A blood drive was held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Steven's name.  Graciously organized by our good friend, it was an amazing event!

We asked Steven's doctor for permission to go.  He thought about it and agreed people would most likely be healthy since they were donating blood.  I brought Steven thinking he would stay for an hour or two... I was going to take him home and come back to thank everyone.   This was actually the first time Steven went anywhere besides City of Hope since September.

We talked to so many people we knew and haven't seen in so long, it was awesome, almost like a reunion. I was amazed at the people we didn't know who were there to donate.  We both have donated blood so many times, but didn't think about people doing it for us.

Before you knew it, we were there almost the entire blood drive!  We were free to do normal things like talk to people outside of our home...what a concept!  I really didn't fully appreciate that time until now.  Steven was exhausted but being there with all of you lifted his spirits.

The City of Hope crew was fantastic!  Our utmost gratitude to Holy Cross Church, our wonderful and supportive Monsignor, and our amazing friend and organizer of the drive.  We know it was a lot of work and appreciate everything that was done to make it happen.  And what about all the people who came to donate!!!!  It's an uber busy time of the year and 75 people signed up to donate.

We are humbled and honored for the outpouring of support.  City of Hope received 60 usable units.  Those that Steven can use will be set aside in his name with the rest going to grateful City of Hope patients. And believe me, none will go to waste!  It really is the gift of life.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!