American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services
February 7, 2008
Dear Bernie:
I want to thank you for your participation in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood and Organ Donor Registry Drive.
The stories you ran on the Parker/Weiss family donation and the community challenge issued by Charles Hunter, Sr. and Dr. Bethel were very important for visibility to us. The stories you also ran about Yolanda Holmes receiving an organ donation and blood are the foundation for education the local community about African American health disparities and importance of helping a local community member like Dr. T. Allen Bethel waiting for a kidney transplant.
Just as important were your words from the podium and the contact with the 1000 plus who attended The Skanner's annual MLK Breakfast event. Over 100 people attended the special event blood and organ drive. Each blood donation may save up to three people's lives.
In addition to collecting blood at the event, many donors, volunteers and visitors to the center signed up to be organ donors through Donate Life NW. This is a significant achievement; perhaps one day the action these people took in signing up to be organ donors will save someone's life.
I value the partnership the Red Cross and The Skanner have that allows us to outreach to our local African American community. You should feel proud of the role you play.
"Challenging People to Shape a Better Future Now" takes on another dimension as you help us save lives in the community like Dr. T. Allen Bethel and educate about health disparities for African Americans.
Sincerely,
Sandi Sundquist Lesh, Community Outreach Specialist
