Joanne Ganley Feeney was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 1997 and has been battling with the illness ever since. Doctors started Joanne on radiation and chemotherapy treatments. As part of her treatment, Joanne has received transfusions of blood and blood products, including platelets.

Every day, men, women and children just like Joanne are diagnosed with various illnesses and injuries. Their treatments may include the transfusion of blood and blood products like platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to make those platelets, which are a fragile component made from a whole blood donation. Platelets collected through blood donations help patients until their own bodies can supply the platelets needed to control bleeding. Platelets have a short life-span of just five days.

Joanne's family and friends know just how important donating blood is. In fact, they organized a blood drive in her honor. "We were talking about it at the American Legion where she's been a member for years. People suggested we get together and have a blood drive to honor her," said Joanne's brother, Robert Ganley. "This blood drive was coordinated as a gesture to my sister, on behalf of her many friends who have said they would like to do something to help."

The 49-year-old mother of three was remarried on February 14, 1999. Robert says Joanne's husband, Archie, was very supportive of this blood drive effort because he sees just how blood products can help someone in need. "This is a good thing we can do for her and help others at the same time," said Robert.

The blood drive in honor of Joanne Ganley Feeney took place in February at the American Legion Hall in Burlington, MA.

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