On December 1, 2021

Save lives, give blood

Dear Editor,

It sometimes feels like no one wants to agree on anything these days — from national politics to the most local of issues. So, I’m writing to offer your readers an antidote to some of the negativity, divisiveness, anger, and suspicion that may seem so pervasive: The opportunity to participate in the 2021 Gift-of-Life Marathon.

With a national blood shortage reaching crisis levels, the GOLM presents the prospect of putting aside every conceivable difference for the common good, an opportunity to save lives and build community at the same time.

Speaking recently with Stefanie Schaffer, who has received more blood than anyone I know, I was struck by something she said. As readers probably know, a boat explosion left her severely injured, unable to walk and with a serious brain injury and kidney failure in 2018.  Yet she’s found ways to move past the challenges, develop new meaning in her life, and help others.

Stefanie has become an ambassador for the GOLM, and said she gets joy from just being at the event.  Joy — from being among people helping other people they’ll never know — people just like her.

We could all use a little more joy, these days. Please join Stef, co-organizer Terry Jaye, dozens of volunteers, hundreds of your friends and neighbors, and me at the 2021 GOLM. You just might help save a life like Stefanie’s.

Appointments are available at redcrossblood.org  or 800-RED-CROSS.

Steve Costello Rutland Town Costello is Green Mountain Power vice president and co-organizer of the GOLM.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Quarter Pounder packs a wallop

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, There is a problem with our food systems. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has led to illness, hospitalization, and even death. The CDC, FDA, and other health agencies are investigating, with fresh slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties as the suspected sources of contamination. This incident isn’t…

Doctors need more time with patients, not less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, Bruce Hamory’s recommendation to the Green Mountain Care Board to reduce doctors’ time with patients is completely off base. The report’s conclusion that the state will have enough primary care providers is based on primary care providers (PCPs) seeing three patients per hour, and many internists, who see more complex patients, currently see a…

Doing away with the Electoral College would make Vt’s votes matter less

November 6, 2024
Dear Editor, (In response to Matthew Cecere’s commentary, “The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact could give Vermont voters more impact”). I’m amazed to see an educator come out in favor of such a ridiculous concept, and to also be in favor of abolishing the Electoral College. No, the Electoral College is not perfect. But, it is…

Burdened by homelessness

November 6, 2024
‘Not in my backyard’ is hitting Rutland hard, solutions must be statewide By Alis Headlam Editor’s note: Alis Headlam, of Rutland, is a former educator and member of Project VISION. The “not in my backyard” syndrome has put the Rutland area in a very difficult situation. Rutland has become the go-to place for people who…