Platelets save lives

Dear Editor,

My husband, Swede Swanson, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on Aug. 1 a year ago.

After almost 400 hours of chemo therapy, and attaining remission for about four months, in March his leukemia returned. With not many options left for him, he is now receiving platelets about once a week and blood about every two weeks.

We have had many requests from people who would like to help, and have asked about donating platelets or blood directly to him.

After visiting the Red Cross last week and visiting with Jo DeMarco, the Donor Recruitment Representative, she explained to us that if you try to do a donation to a certain individual, there is a lot of paperwork involved and the sad part is that if someone donates to just one person, and they don't need it that particular week, the blood or platelets have to be destroyed.

There are so many people in need of platelets and blood, and as we are frequent visitors to the Cancer Center, we well realize how important this supply is to so many people.

A week ago, Swede needed platelets, and there were none to be found in all of Nebraska.The platelets had to come from Indiana, and arrived late that night so he was able to receive them the next morning. Several times we have had to wait for platelets, because the supply is so low.

At this point, the only thing keeping him alive is the platelets and blood donated by so many wonderful people, and we can't begin to thank those people. We encourage you to take the time to donate; it is so important not only to Swede but a huge part of our Southwest Nebraska population who need either platelets or blood.

Please contact Jo DeMarco, (308) 534-7350 or (308) 520-2294 at the North Platte American Red Cross for an appointment. You can save a life!

Mardee Swanson,

Hershey

EDITOR'S NOTE -- And regular blood is needed as well, especially type O. The next McCook bloodmobile will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, and noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Anyone who is able to donate is asked to contact Cathy at (308) 345-4473 or Mary at (308) 345-1262.