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Giving Back: 2001: A Blood Odyssey
In the last edition of Lifelines, we brought you the extraordinary story of Lauren Larsen, a young mother who used more than 250 units of blood shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Claire. Well, in Lauren’s words, it’s time for her to give back. The following is an excerpt from a humorous and touching letter Lauren is sending to everyone she knows, titled, “2001: Blood Odyssey.” “No one ever really knows when a medical emergency will hit him or her or someone they love. I certainly didn’t. But when the doo-doo hit the fan, Blood Centers of the Pacific, San Francisco’s local blood bank, was there for me. That’s why I’m committed to returning the favor with both cash and blood. And, just to give me that added challenge I so love in life, I’m using the 2001 New York City Marathon as my fundraising (and bloodraising) vehicle. It is my goal to raise $50,000 and 500 blood donations for Blood Centers of the Pacific (and/or America’s Blood Centers, a national affiliate) by the time I run this November. As for you friends who I know well enough to badger, let’s face it...I saved you a good chunk of change on airfare by not having an early funeral, so pony up! As for you folks I don’t know well enough to badger, how about it? Can you see it in your heart to pitch in, thereby helping the next Lauren Larsen whose pristine health goes wildly off track? For all who pitch in and help me with my blood- and fund-raising goals, I promise to feel the pain - errr generosity - of your gift with each step I take in the 26.2 mile marathon. Closing thought (this is the big sales pitch part)...If you saw a person in distress who needed help in order to live and there was no risk to you, would you help? My guess is, you would. That is what I’m asking for today - some risk-free help. Please give blood and/or money if you are able to do so because I promise you, it will be an act of kindness that will save someone’s life. And take it from someone who knows firsthand, that person will be eternally grateful. With love, light and laughter, Lauren Larsen Marathoner and Big-time Blood Recipient Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Lauren for the New York City Marathon, can do so by sending a tax-deductible check to her at: 503 North Star Court, Boulder, CO 80304 For more information, you can email her at: laurenwardlarsen@earthlink.net
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