Wednesday, 28Jul10, REST DAY, Portsmouth, NH, drive to Providence, RI
Woke up after a good night’s rest and starting packing for the Phase 2 part of the trip.
Received call from Inova Blood Services, New York Blood Center, Paramus, NJ, and Providence, RI
Now I’m starting to get excited about Phase 2.
To all the ABC blood centers … I can’t wait to meet with your donors and staff … thank you for your hospitality!
Well, today on the rest day I drove to Providence, RI, and hooked up with Frank and Rennie … at the Rhode Island Blood Center.
Rennie gave me a tour of their facility and later we went to visit to current blood drives … check out the pictures on Facebook.
When I first arrived at the center I met Jean at the front desk lobby … then I met Frank and Rennie … Rennie gave me a tour of their building and introduced me to several of their staff … who are some very amazing compassionate people!
These are some of the people I met today: Leslie, Nauman, Glenn, Scott, Kristy, Kristel, Lisa, Severance, Frieda,Courtney, Amanda, Katie, Jean Mc, Elaine, Robert, Helen, Chris, Sonia, Debbie, Michele, Celine, Kathie, Terry, Manny, Jason, David, Matt, Matt, Joel, Leontyna (LT), Joann, Lou, Paul, Ken, Susan, Carol,Sarah, Chris, Greg, Soraya, Lisa, Gail, Joann (and her grandson, Cayen), John and Frank who were donors.
The Lonsdale firemen were: DC Tom Ryan, Lt. Ryan Griffin, Lt. Dave Levesque, FF Dave Marin, and Oakley their boxer!
The mobile coach crew were: Gerry, Kathy, Star and Sue … thanks for introducing us to Melissa Yates a donor.
At the Warrick PO blood drive I met … Flo (team leader) Lead Donor Specialist, Carol and Sandy, Paul Dwyer and his two sons, (donors) David Matteson (donor for over 30 years)
At the barbeque I met Dave, Buck and Ginny … I think that is all … if I missed anyone I’ll catch you’all tomorrow.
Rhode Island Blood Center has an amazing program called “Summer of Inspiration” where every week they share stories of blood recipients … their wall of honor is graced by the following recipients, who I hope to meet some of them tomorrow: Keith Bloomer, Michael and Angela Fallgren, Isabelle, Molly Harrington, Chris Creighton, Barbara Joyce, Art Berluti, Lynda LaCava, and many others to come!
I also learned about Dr. DZIK’s story … helping the Mulago Hospital in Uganda … it’s amazing how the “give blood- give life” ripple effect just keeps on giving and has moved to the international level! Also how RIBC is developing the “public cord blood bank” for women and infants …
Each day I learn something new about the incredible donors, and the blood doing industry staff who do many amazing things “behind the scenes” … you are the epitome of compassionate giving people … THANK YOU!
I want to thank RIBC, Frank and Rennie(Renelda) for a wonderful day in Providence area while visiting with staff and donors.
A special thanks to Larry Smith (CEO), Carolyn Young, (CMO), for their hospitality and the incredible staff they have working with them … RIBC … is the 1st of many incredible blood drives this summer and I’m honored to part a part of their local programs, such as the “Seasons Pass” which brings HOPE, COMMUNITY, and LIFE to the RIBC area.
Thanks for all the incredible “good” you do on a daily basis … you are an inspiration to all of us … as a representative of “blood recipients” everywhere … THANK YOU!
Talk to you tomorrow at the “Summer of Inspiration” blood drive and celebration!