By Staff
To the editor:
It is with great pleasure and pride that I write this letter. The outpouring of support and concern shown by the citizens, businesses and surrounding communities during the recent Minority Bone Marrow Drive for Quin Willis was phenomenal.
As we await results of the testing, hopefully we will have a match for Quin and someone else who needs one. What a wonderful thing that would be! I watched as excitement and anticipation began to mount with each week of planning for this event. I saw hope take form, togetherness develop, and friendships born. The color of someone's skin became as insignificant as a drop of rain in the Gobi Desert. How exciting it was to hear someone say, "Tell me how I can help."
Approximately 206 people registered for the two-day event. We accepted 164. We are still receiving calls almost daily regarding those who missed the drive and want to be tested. I received a call this week from someone in California who heard about this and wants to be tested. I believe Atmore has been instrumental in spreading information regarding the great need for minority groups to be tested and to donate blood. You never know when you or your loved one may need this "gift of life". If you needed blood as you are reading this letter and blood was not on the shelf waiting for you, it would be too late for someone to donate for you. That's just how critical it could be. I encourage you to contact your local American Red Cross Chapter and find out when the next available blood drive will be held.
I especially thank all those who contributed to the success of the Bone Marrow Drive. They are as follows: United Bank, First National Bank, Regions Bank, South Alabama Vending, Winn Dixie, Food Fair, Kmart, The Atmore Advance, WYDH 105.9 FM, State Farm Insurance, Patricia Eddins, Mayor Howard Shell, West Escambia Chapter of the American Red Cross, North Baldwin Chapter of the American Red Cross, Union Baptist Benevolent Fund (Bay Minette), Atmore Churches,Gretaer Mt. Triumph Baptist Church Youth Department, Goldsmith's BBQ, Churchs Fried Chicken, Johnson Ford, The Apple Barrel and Quin's Friends (You know who you are).
Thank you to all those people who came out and volunteered their time to meet and greet the many people who came. It was truly appreciated. None of this could have been done without you.
Sincerely,
Susan Smith
The American Red Cross
Gulf Coast Region, Blood Services.