VALDOSTA —
While many children have spent the summer swimming, Sammy Giltner, 8, and Savannah Dallas, 5, have endured chemotherapy treatments.
Both of these Valdosta children have leukemia. Both were diagnosed last year. Both undergo treatments at home as well as in Jacksonville. Both missed many days of school because of treatments. Both plan to continue to their next grades this coming school year.
And both have needed blood transfusions to keep their young bodies fighting, to keep them alive.
Sammy has needed two blood transfusions. Savannah has needed more blood transfusions and platelet transfusions.
This week, Quota International of Valdosta and the South Georgia Sam’s RV Club host a blood drive in honor of these two youngsters.
By honoring these two youngsters, organizers hope to remind people that donating blood saves lives. It saves lives of people of all ages.
Blood donations give those in need the opportunity to live another day or, in the case of these two young people, the chance to live for many more years. Savannah’s father shared how his daughter has had to wait for a transfusion on some occasions because there wasn’t enough blood for her 5-year-old body.
She shouldn’t have to wait. No child should. No patient should.
Donating blood could make the difference between waiting and not having to wait. It could mean the difference between life and death.
Quota International and South Georgia Rivers Sam’s RV Club host a blood drive in honor of Savannah Dallas and Samuel Giltner, 2-7 p.m. Thursday, July 29, CrossPointe Church, 110 Northside Drive.
What We Think
Blood for all ages
- What We Think
-
-
Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
-
Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
-
Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
-
Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
-
Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
-
School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
-
Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
-
Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
