Blood donors aid cancer fight

Editor, OBSERVER:

Did you know that patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease? Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet, only 3% of people in the U.S. give blood.

To help ensure patients have the strength and support to fight cancer, the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society are teaming up this February to encourage people Give Blood to Give Time. Individuals are invited to honor their loved ones by making a blood donation appointment or financial contribution at GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. A loved one’s cancer diagnosis may leave families and friends feeling helpless. But when someone donates blood or platelets or makes a financial gift, they are helping to give patients and their families time, resources and the hope they need to fight back.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, and more people are needed to donate blood regularly to help meet the need. On behalf of the Red Cross and American Cancer Society, I encourage you to Give Blood to Give Time in support of cancer patients and their families.

HANNA MALAK,

Western New York Region American Red Cross,

Cheektowaga

Term limits

are still needed

Editor, OBSERVER:

Our recent impeachment adventure revealed the fatal flaw in our political system: the lack of term limits for every elected office.

Republicans in Congress voted to protect their precious re-election, seeking to maintain their privileged lifestyle. Maybe they should sign up for a backbone transplant, or clone the sturdy contents of the spine belonging to Mitt Romney.

If we don’t find a way to establish term limits for self-serving career politicians, we will increase our rate of decline on the world stage. Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are laughing at us from the sidelines.

Previous battles for our survival have been fought on foreign soil. This time it’s the enemy within.

DENNIS REGAN,

formerly of Gowanda,

Pittsford

Selling process gets thumbs up

Editor, OBSERVER:

We are seniors who recently sold our larger home and had a smaller home built. We chose Brenda Burgstrom of Premier Realty of Fredonia to sell our home for us, and just feel compelled to let everyone know what a bright, talented and outstanding person she is.

There is no one who works harder for her clients, nor anyone who is more honest and trustworthy. She smoothed out some very rough spots where others might not have been able to accomplish her success.

She went far above and beyond any of our expectations throughout our entire transactions.

RICHARD W. Sr.

and LORRAINE B. COLE,

Fredonia