GIVING BACK LIFE — PEF Member Veronica Fernandez receives a bag full of gifts for her winning essay from Steve Boyle, president and CEO of St. Peter's Health Care Services at a ceremony with representatives from the Red Cross at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Approximately 50 people entered the contest.
Donating blood rewards contest winner
By DEBORAH A. MILES
PEF member Veronica Fernandez won the American Red Cross essay contest for the Capital Region on “Why I Donate Blood.” Winning the contest made Fernandez feel a sense of pride, but her true accomplishment is being able to give back life.
Fernandez, a program specialist 2 at the state Office of Mental Health’s Bureau of Quality Management in Albany, says donating blood is her way “to give back to my fellow occupants on Earth.”
Fernandez wrote in her winning essay, “When I was younger, I am sorry to say, I was pretty self-involved and did not realize the need that exists across the country to have blood available.
“When I approached middle age, I had experienced the true trauma and drama which gives life meaning.”
With a daughter in the Air Force who was recently deployed to Afghanistan, Fernandez is reminded that the blood supply is very low and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.
But donating blood isn’t something new for Fernandez. She began about five years ago when her granddaughter was born with a genetic disorder and required five surgeries before the age of five.
She also wrote about her family and friends who have either passed away or narrowly escaped death, such as her brother-in-law who survived the September 11 attack at the World Trade Center.
Fernandez said about 50 people entered the contest, and that she was happy to win. “I just wrote what was in my heart,” she said.
“I have learned, painfully at times, life is a gift and that blood is the gift of life. I donate blood usually four times a year, and wherever I can to help those who are less fortunate.”
The
Communicator July/August 04
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