Dear Editor,
As the 20th anniversary of the Gift-of-Life Marathon approaches, incredible memories have come flowing back. From the year Rutland set out to collect 1,000 pints, the effort captured in the documentary “The Blood in This Town,” to breaking New England and national records, there are so many great moments to recall.
One of my favorites was the time Terry Jaye had to tell an enormous crowd of people that not everyone would be able to donate, as supplies were running low.
A series of favorite memories involve Stefanie Schaffer, who over the past five years blossomed before the community’s collective eyes. Starting as a scared, injured young woman who faced unfathomable challenges after a boat explosion, she became a symbol of strength, courage, resilience, and love, and grew into a powerful advocate for blood donation and disability rights, and a symbol of the inner strength within us. Like Stefanie, this year’s GOLM ambassador, Alex Adams, reminds us that every donor helps save a life or changes lives for the better.
Please consider making an appointment for this year’s GOLM on the website at redcrossblood.org .
Steve Costello, Rutland Town
