Join Waukesha resident Brien Lee and his blog, Sir Fido, as they explore the city and report on the interesting things they find.
I've known and heard about Tim, the 17 year old son of a fellow co-worker, for as long as I've known his dad. Tim, only a year older than one of my sons, impresses me with his energy. He's always winning in swiming, baseball or cross country. He loves baseball so much that he got a vendor job at Miller Park when he was 16. I could go on.
Two months ago Tim saw a doctor for a bad sore throat. He was diagnosed with leukemia. Tim is still managing to stay somewhat active but will have to endure treatment for the next two years. He can no longer play on a team or work at Miller Park.
When I was visiting someone in the hospital two weeks ago they wanted me to clean up some blood. "Just be sure to wash your hands," they said. I had to give that little action some thought; if I touch anyone's blood I'd be inelegible to donate blood for one year. (It's happened to me before, just two years ago.) Hospitals have gloves, what's the rush?
Tim and patients like him need platelets to help clot blood and whole blood when the cell count gets too low. Tomorrow, Monday the 14th, I'll be donating at my church's regular blood drive. I've given six gallons so far and I've always been fortunate that my body's made more.
Help Tim and others with leukemia fight to live by considering a donation. Thanks.
----------------------------addendum 8/14, a note from Tim's mom;--------------------------------------------------
Hi Brien,
Thanks for reminding everyone how important giving
blood and platelets is to our communities. As you
know, Tim has had 7 units of blood and three units of
platelets in only two months. Without it, his fight
against the leukemia would be almost impossible.
Thanks again,
Valerie
