|
|
||
|
For several years Wendy Walnock, the parish nurse at St. Joseph's Church in Keyport, has been actively involved in co-chairing the church's very successful Blood Drive's along with Lee Boydman. Wendy had often heard the statement, "Blood donors save life! Give the gift of a lifetime." But it wasn't until the year 2002 that those words took on a very personal meaning. Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer. While undergoing chemotherapy treatment, her red blood cell count went dangerously low and she was unable to walk, sit-up or verbalize her thoughts. Her vision was greatly reduced and she was extremely short of breath. Wendy's best friend, JoAnn, had come to visit and immediately took her to the emergency room where they began to prepare her for a blood transfusion. Wendy said she felt vulnerable, helpless, and she couldn't communicate or think clearly. Her thoughts were of dying and she felt unable to fight this downward spiral she was experiencing. Wendy received two units of blood that day. As soon as the first bag of blood was transfused she was able to speak, sit up and her vision returned. After the second bag of blood, she was able to stand and walk. Wendy describes this experience as the most miraculous healing of her entire life. Wendy feels she is alive today due to the generosity of a blood donor and she is forever grateful. St. Joseph's Church hosts a very successful blood drive every year. Through amazing dedication and effort, Wendy and Lee are able to help and save many others. Kindness is a matter of doing not what life requires us to do, but what our spirit invites us to do. |
||
