Publisher Update

  : Our thanks to Will Van Sant of the St. Petersburg Times for getting the word out. From the visitor comments and emails I'm receiving, Saturday will be very busy.

Growing up in foster care taught me to be self reliant, so it's rare for me to ask for help. But after hearing about Andrew Scott Hall of Safety Harbor, I knew this was an important time to ask. Andrew was struck by a car as he stood on the sidewalk in front of his residence while waiting for a ride. He transported by Bayflite to Bayfront Medical Center late Monday night. He has a crushed pelvis and has lost one leg. I understand he has gone through 36 units of blood. That's why I'm publishing this post today.

I've never met Andrew, but from reading Rita Farlow's coverage on Tampabay.com and the comments published by his friends it seems like I've known him all my life. Like me, Andrew left home early in life because his mother could not care for him. Like me, Andrew has had caring adults who stepped up when he needed them the most. Andrew has spent his life expecting the best, looking for the good in others and always ready to share a smile and a hug with everyone he meets. I can identify with that. 

Now more than ever Andrew needs the help of a few caring adults. 

Would you please join me in donating blood in Andrew's name either Friday or Saturday afternoon?

It's all about Courage

If you have never been a blood donor, I can understand how the idea might give you pause. But trust me, all it takes is a little bit of courage. Not anywhere near the amount of courage it takes for my brothers and sisters in fostercare to get through a day not knowing where they are going to stay or if they will have something to eat. And donating blood also takes a lot less courage than the commitment shown by Andrew's surrogate family and brother, Hanyn and Mary and Allen Arana when they decided to make Andrew part of their family. 

Blood Donation in the Name of Andrew Hall

Florida Blood Services Regal Cinema - Park Place Stadium 16 4385 Park Blvd Pinellas Park, FL 33781 - Location Map (It will take about 30 minutes of your time, depending on the turnout)

Friday 4/24/09   1-5 pm   (I'll be there to greet you from 1-3 pm) Saturday 4/25/09   2-8 pm   (I'll be there to greet you from 2-4 pm)

I hope you can make it. I'll have a big get well poster you can sign.

If you can make it, please contact me, so I can let FBS know who's coming. jerry@gitchel.com or 727-278-9382.

Resource Links

Florida Blood Services

St. Petersburg Times

  Rita Farlow's coverage