December always seems to fly by in an instant and before you know it you’re ringing in the New Year! For me this month has been a blur of plane rides, holiday parties, cookie exchanges and frantic gift shopping. All leading up to our trip home to California tomorrow to spend the holidays with our families – which is the greatest gift of all. As I was packing tonight I thought I should check in on typeapos, it’s been way too long, and I am so glad that I did. In fact, I felt bad about not checking in here for awhile because waiting for me were three incredible messages that I just have to share with you!

First I heard from Anita Lowe, a dear family friend of my wonderful Aunt Chari. Anita has been following my blog since the beginning and is always so thoughtful to send messages of inspiration and support. Her latest message was that because of this blog she’s been inspired to become a regular blood donor and she pledged to donate blood at least two times a year! She admitted that she used to be a “convenient” blood donor but is now going to seek out opportunities to donate and also encourage her friends to do the same. Anita, thank you for this gift and for helping me promote my mission to give blood, save lives!

Second, I received a blog comment from Katy Stebbins who said that after she finished her holiday shopping she felt like something was missing. Then she received a phone call from the Red Cross reminding her to give blood. She got this reminder call because she was a donor at my family blood drive back in October! Reading her message put such a huge smile on my face. It reminds me how simple it is to make a difference and how quickly goodwill, compassion and support can spread amongst friends.

Lastly, I just received an email from another PRCA patient who found my blog while doing research online. Her name is Dana and she has been diagnosed with PRCA during her third pregnancy. I was so thrilled to hear from her because I have never met another PRCA patient. There aren’t any online communities, in fact there is not much about this rare disease anywhere. Being able to connect online, ask each other questions, share stories, and commiserate over bone marrow biopsies is such a tremendous gift. I felt like Christmas came early when I read Dana’s email!

Thank you Anita, Katy and Dana for reaching out to me and reminding me why I started this blog. Your messages are the best Christmas presents I could ask for. And thank you to all of you who have continued to keep me in your prayers and thoughts since my battle with PRCA began. I am still doing great and on my way to remission.

And for those of you that still have a few holiday presents to buy, think about the gift of giving blood. You can save a life this holiday season!

(Pictures taken from Designer Kiseung Lee of Helsinki who wants people to fill stockings with more vital gifts this Christmas: donations to the blood bank.)