This past weekend the annual community Health Fair again staged such a successful event. The good people of this community stood in line for hours to donate blood and, as a new addition, apply as donors to the National Marrow Program for stem cell operations. Expectations for a community this size was expected to collect 25-30 volunteers. Our area pleasantly surprised nurse Shannon Schoepke (who was charged with collecting samples), with 90 people registering as donors from our area! There were over 30 people who unfortunately were turned down due to age or blood requirements, making the total applicant number over 120. Very generous also were the folks who donated funds that went to the cost of collection. Over $2,000 was raised from local donors from both people who became donors and those who were not able to. Any excess proceeds will be carried forth to next year's donor drive.

Aside from the great benefit to the recipients of this generosity, a greater awareness of the need for stem cell drives and the intended uses have been brought to light in our area. Many thanks to all the participants who made it possible, but special thanks must go to Deb Rehder and Jeanne Adams, those two ladies who continue to bring success to these great causes. Thanks also to Shannon Schoepke for making a special trip to Homer for the collection.

The more we all look out for each other, the less we need to look out for ourselves. Our thanks and best to all.

P.S. I'd also like to give a special thanks to my busy little wife Barbara, who started this process with a thought and prayer.

Drew and Barbara Scalzi