thanks from twins

On New Year's Eve, I gave my fifth pint of blood for 2019.
Today, received this email from the American Red Cross.
(smile)

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Donations help save lives.

Earl and Merle
Earl and Merle have a lot in common. The 85-year-old twins both joined the Navy in 1954, they share a love of fishing and they've even both had wives named Kay. They're also both blood product recipients.

After a cancer diagnosis 24 years ago, Merle needed multiple blood products as part of his treatment. As part of his ongoing treatment, he has needed periodic transfusions, most recently this past December.

Over the last year, Earl needed four to six units of blood every two weeks to treat heart valve and gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, he has received 156 units of blood products.

The brothers and their families are grateful to donors – like you – without whom they wouldn't be alive today.

"My kids have a grandpa because of donors," said Earl's daughter-in-law, Angela. "It would be so wonderful if everyone who can give would do so!"

Merle's daughter, Teresa, shares the same sentiment. "I wouldn't have my dad or my uncle if it weren't for people donating," she said. "I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Donors have given them the gift of life and their families more time to spend with them. I have had years with my father that would not have been possible without these donations."

Thanks to the generosity of donors, recipients like Earl and Merle can continue to make precious memories with their families. When you donate blood products, you help give hope and healing to those who face life and death challenges. Your generosity can help change lives and keep families together.

Make donating a family affair! Invite a loved one to spend quality time donating blood products together.
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What a wonderful message to start this new year!