For those of you that don't know, one of Mom's top priorities while Kim and I were growing up was Giving Blood. It wasn't uncommon to see her (try) to donate every 8 weeks. I say "try" because sometimes she was slightly too anemic or wasn't 110 lbs. There are criteria for giving blood, and not everyone fits the bill. But Mom would go as often as they would let her -- to the Blood Mobile, the American Red Cross office in Englewood, or anyplace else that she could donate! I don't remember the exact #, but I know she was in some kind of "Hundred Gallon Club" and even sponsored an event in Badin to support the local American Red Cross and increase awareness about donating blood.
Why?
Mom is type O negative. That means anyone can receive her blood. Only about ~ 7% of people have this blood type! Unfortunately, people that have O neg. blood can only receive O neg. blood. So there aren't that many people that have it, and it's in high demand! For my Mom, it was an easy way to help other people. 
Sure, she would never meet them, but she knew that whether it was a patient that needed regular transfusions or a victim from a car accident, her blood would ultimately help save a life.
Now Mom is on the other side-- she is the recipient!! Chemotherapy does a great job of arresting cancer-- but it also stops all other cells from dividing-- including blood cells. When WBC's get too low, you are susceptible to infection, and when RBC's get to low, your organs starve for oxygen. Both of these situations have happened to Martha. Sitting in the "infusion" chair for hours on end made her think about how grateful she is to whoever is out there donating blood.
For everyone out there that still wants to help Martha, she is challenging you to Donate at your local blood drive and help someone like her. While you are at it, spread the word about Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC)! Some of her nurses haven't even heard of it. If you do manage to get out there and donate, somehow let Martha know. Leave a comment here, email me, or call her. It will give her all sorts of warm fuzzies :)
