Just being Mom

This past week, I was away from home enjoying a week with my daughter as she was reaching for a dream. I was not Mrs. Virginia International 2011 this past week, I was just mom. To me, "Mom" is the greatest title of all. After all, it's among the first words that we hear our babies say; it's the first thing they shout when they are hurting; it's the first thing they say when they are on camera; and it's the last thing they say when their heart is breaking. Mom - never a sweeter word to be said.

In the midst of a schedule that kept her going from 6:00am to 11:00pm there were a few quiet moments that I found and while I was exhausted and my "Lexi Taxi" was on it's last ounce of fuel, I realized that I might have missed every minute. Those minutes are given to me by the blood donors that save my life with each transfusion. Those minutes are precious and I am grateful for each one - even if, in that minute, I'm too exhausted to keep my eyes open.

The hectic days, schedule hiccups, and tense moments were all worth the joy that I could see in her eyes and on her face when she felt as if she had accomplished exactly what she wanted too. She didn't walk away with a gold star or a blue ribbon, but she did walk away with an experience of a lifetime. Life experiences are what it's about and my life experiences are brought to me by blood donors.

No words in a blog will ever express my gratitude for what blood donors do for me and others just like me. Blood donors have given me the ability to be just an ordinary "Mom" who, on any other ordinary day, wouldn't be here to be just "Mom".

Life isn't a GAME

That's right, life is no game and you get one shot at it. Well, that is unless you have been given the gift of life through organ, tissue, marrow or blood donation. You get a second chance and are certainly in it to win it!

Donate Life Virginia is now bringing the "game of life" to the Commonwealth through the 2011 Transplant Games. The Virginia Transplant Games were created by Donate Life Virginia to show that donation and transplantation saves lives and that transplant recipients go on to live normal, healthy, productive lives. The games honors those who made all of this possible...the organ, eye, tissue and bone marrow donors and their families. During the games, transplant recipients compete in Olympic style events.

I've previously asked that you not only be a blood donor, but to consider being added to the national registry for bone marrow or to donate organs. You have within you the ability to save lives while living or donating after you have lived your brilliant life.

Obviously, blood donors have continuously given me another chance at life and I will always support programs or organizations that are advocating for the need. When an organ, bone marrow, eye, or other transplant takes place, a secure blood supply must be readily available. Therefore, the cycle of life is truly running through your bloodstream and you have the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of life, compassion, and love.

If you can't donate, please think about supporting your local Donate Life organization as a volunteer, benefactor, or drive coordinator. Better yet, if you are in Virginia, attend the 2011 Transplant Games and be inspired by the individuals that are seizing every moment of their second chance at life. Who knows, you might even see me there!

World Blood Donor Day

It's that time of year again!! That's right, it's World Blood Donor Day on June 14. If you have been a long time reader, you know that I have documented this quite a few times - take a look back at the last couple of years and get up to date on why this day is so important:

WBDD 2010
Nexcare Gives 2010
Support for WBDD 2009
What is WBDD 2009



The messege this year is the same - that there is a profound appreciation for donors and that on this day, companies like Nexcare, are celebrating and supporting blood donors and the lives that they save.

To find an event near you to celebrate this day, visit the World Health Organization's website (World Blood Donor Day) or better yet, go out and become a blood donor. After all, it is summer, the supplies are low and the need is still great.

Thank you to all of those donors who have given and continue to do so from the kindness of their heart and without being recognized. You are the true heroes!

Battling it Out!

Mondays are always a battle of wits to get through the day, but this past Monday was a "Battle of the Airwaves" in Richmond as local radio stations competed to see who could draw in more blood donors.

Held in an unused retail space in the Village at White Oak, there were plenty of prizes, lots of food and great music waiting for every donor that walked in the door. The day started off a little slow, but as the day went on, more donors arrived and lives were saved.

The event itself went from 7a-7p and even the Kangaroo from the Richmond Kickers came by for a visit. I had the pleasure of walking him around to meet donors and thanking them along with recording an appeal to donors on 99.3 KISS FM.

Thank you again to my friends at Virginia Blood Services for having me, it's always nice to connect with donors and the blood collectors.

Create a picture collage

Battle of the Airwaves

Looking for something to do on Monday, June 6th? Are you in the Central Virginia/Richmond area? Well then, how about joining me at the "Battle of the Airwaves"?

Virginia Blood Services and area radio stations are once again participating in this Broadcasters for Blood event and asking that you show up, roll-up your sleeves, and save lives!

No time like the present to MAKE an APPOINTMENT to save at least three lives. Saving three lives in about an hour can make any Monday feel better than a Friday at the beach.

Drive Details:

Location: The Shops at White Oak Village (Richmond)
Time: 7am - 7pm
Click Here for More Information: Virginia Blood Services


There are a lot of prizes, coupons and treats available for donors - including one night at an amazing spa and tickets to the Chevy Rock-n-Roll 400 NASCAR race in September.

Can't wait to see you there and save lives together!!