DEAR ABBY: Last month I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Unfortunately, after the delivery, I hemorrhaged so severely I needed an emergency hysterectomy.
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I am alive today thanks to the quick action and skill of my physicians and nurses, and to the selfless gift of six units of blood from anonymous donors. My ability to hold and care for my beautiful daughter hinges on the fact that I received blood transfusions, a fact that makes me realize what a precious gift blood is.
When I finally regain my strength, I pledge to donate blood, and hope this letter will prompt others to follow my example.
Thank you, blood donors one and all, for a priceless gift. (By the way, my baby's name is Abby, and she is also a dear!) -- LITTLE ABBY'S MOM
DEAR MOM: I am pleased that you and your dear "little Abby" are doing well. Thank you for the reminder that lifesaving blood is in short supply and donations are needed across the country. Potential blood donors should contact their nearest Red Cross Center or hospital with a blood bank.
P.S. If you've never thought of being a blood donor, please consider this:
WHAT GOOD IS A BLOOD DONOR?
A blood donor is good for people who go through windshields and red lights. For somebody with leukemia. For people being operated on. For barefoot kids who aren't careful. For people who are into feudin' and fightin'. For hemophiliacs and daredevils. For people undergoing dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. For people who fool around with guns. For little kids who manage to uncap a bottle of something poisonous.
A blood donor is good for people who have been badly burned. For new mothers who need transfusions. For new babies who need a complete change of blood supply. For people having open-heart surgery. For cancer patients. For people with severe hepatitis and anemia. For kids who fall out of trees or whatever. For anybody at any age with bleeding ulcers. For people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A blood donor is good for people who are in a lot worse shape than most people you know.
A blood donor is good for life!