To the editor
Last year, I went to donate blood at the MIKES for Manville Blood drive and Bone Marrow screening which was held on Veteran’s Day and after spending 15 minutes talking with Ray Walsh about MIKES, I found myself saying I would be at their next meeting because I wanted to learn more.
What I found was a group of people who are devoted to making a difference through action.
Ray then asked me if I would help with another project he was involved with called the Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society. I attended one of their committee meetings and found myself volunteering to be the marketing and publicity chair.
Now these two extraordinary organizations: MIKES for Manville and The American Cancer Society, are teaming up on May 30th and 31st to bring a blood drive and the Relay for Life to Manville.
As many of you know, the Relay for Life is being held from 7 p.m., May 30, through 9:30 a.m., May 31, at Manville High School.
On Friday evening from 6-9 p.m., MIKES for Manville has made arrangements to have a blood drive and bone marrow screening in the gym.
I was thrilled when I found out that these groups were going to be working hand in hand to raise the community’s awareness of the importance of cancer research, education, and advocacy and patient services while stressing the critical need for blood and bone marrow donors.
Working side by side with people who only want to make life better for others has helped me to appreciate all that I have in my life.
A lot of time and energy has gone into preparing for the Relay for Life and the blood drive and I wanted to thank everyone who has made even the smallest effort to be a part of it all.
From the folks in the Manville school district who opened their doors up to us to the corporate sponsors, participants, volunteers, donors, and local businesses, none of this would be possible without all of you.
Thank you.
Manville

