Letters: Blood donations are essential to save the life of his daughter | Letters to the Editor
Most people have probably heard that we are facing a severe national blood shortage, a problem so serious that the American Red Cross calls it a blood crisis.
I have always donated blood, but my dedication really started in 2016 when my daughter was diagnosed at age 17 with a very rare form of lymphoma.
As the mother of a 22-year-old who spent far too long holding her daughter’s hand as she battled lymphoma inside the walls of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, I ask you to make donating blood a part of your routine.
When my daughter received platelets or whole blood transfusions, it was amazing to see the dramatic difference in her.
I cannot stress enough, especially for a child battling cancer, how transformative blood is.
When Myra received a transfusion, it was like night and day. She always felt so much better after a transfusion. I could see it.
We know that when someone feels bad, they feel weak and vulnerable. Myra’s blood transfusion didn’t remove the cancer, but it did remove the icky, and that’s huge. You can’t fight if you don’t feel strong.
I am delighted and proud to say that almost five years after the end of her treatment, Myra is doing well.
To the donors who donated the blood products she received, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to save her.
Along with chemo and radiation, your blood helped save his life. And I can’t thank you enough.
The last thing a mother should think about should be, “Will there be enough blood and platelets to help my child recover?”
To help others like my Myra, consider donating blood.
It’s quick and easy, and it can also save the life of someone you care about.
CARPENTER LYNN
Colombia
Trap, release, kill?
Normally, I applaud all the good work done by the State Department of Natural Resources in South Carolina.
I may be missing something about the program in which tagged coyotes are released as part of the coyote harvest incentive program.
When South Carolina and the Lowcountry have such a problem with coyotes attacking animal populations such as fawns and young turkeys, I see no reason behind trapping and releasing coyotes to be killed in order to assign someone a free lifetime hunting license.
ROGER P. HANAHAN
Charleston
Alzheimer’s help
More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Caring for people with dementia has unique and challenging elements.
The federal Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Disease Act (S.1125/HR2517) would create a pathway to better dementia care and close gaps in how dementia care is currently delivered.
My family members were caregivers to my mother, who was diagnosed at 49 and died at 60. Dementia care management makes it easier for families to navigate health care systems and get timely access to care.
It would have greatly benefited my family in our journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Comprehensive dementia care has been shown to reduce costs while providing better quality care.
Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking US Representative Nancy Mace and the senses. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott co-sponsor the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Disease Act.
CHARI KARINSHAK
mount pleasant
Is the prologue over?
News about inflation and household debt levels are everywhere.
The inflation rate is the highest since the early 1980s.
The solution then was to raise interest rates to double-digit levels.
At one point, mortgage rates averaged around 15%.
Our current aggregate household debt has increased by over $1 trillion in 2021.
The last time this happened was in 2007. In 2009 we were mired in the Great Recession.
My fear is that the past will repeat itself.
TOM DI FIGLIO
Charleston
people need a hug
A recent email from Roper St. Francis noted that people need a hug right now.
I agree with that.
Just had my second stay at Roper Hospital in two months. I was on the second floor then the fourth.
The care I received during my stay was amazing. Roper can boast of his care because he has excellent employees.
SANDI ENGELMAN
Charleston