How to Save a Life

Tying in with the Hope theme this week, I hope you guys enjoy this story! After all, you can never have too much hope. =)

Giving Blood

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liz."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks.

Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood.

The first time I read this story, my heart skipped a beat at the end. I'm not sure if you guys know how this feels but it makes your heart feel impossibly light. Like its floating. If this is what Hope feels like, then I sure wouldn't mind some more. =)

Hope today's story gave you guys some hope about the goodness that the world is capable of, what you and I are capable of. :) BUT the hope doesn't just stop there! (What did we say about there never being too much hope? =P).

So keep checking back for updates on our October Project Launch, which shall be very very soon, I promise. ;)

As always, Happiness Equals Bracket. =)