Recently I have been challenged and blessed at the same time. I have been diagnosed with colon cancer and immediately following I have been blessed by a phenomenal outpouring of love, compassion and presence of so many wonderful people; family, friends and some I don’t know.

Surgery was performed and I was given four pints of blood. Due to an ongoing blood shortage and to help me, a blood drive was organized.

I would like to recognize and thank everyone that participated:

4Our daughter, DeMarie Walters, who spent three weeks organizing the drive with the help of my sisters Sue Cockerham and Margaret Harveston, our niece Deanie Roberts and my children’s mother, Doris Hill.

4Mr. Clarence Bowlin and Mr. Craig of Natchez Sports Center who graciously provided a place for the Lady of the Lake blood mobile.

4The 45 men and women who gave blood, some giving two units and five donors from the same family.

4The 14 who came to give blood but had to be turned down due to colds, etc.

4The relatives and friends who traveled from out of town to give blood.

4The 14-year-old baseball player who wanted to give so badly but was too young so his Dad gave two units and his mom one unit.

4The dedicated professional personnel of Our Lady of the Lake Blood Center who worked so hard and for such long hours.

4Last but not least my precious wife who is my caregiver 24 hours of each day.

My blood drive was a wonderful success. Sixty one units were donated. Most blood drives average 20 to 25 units. These donations will help me very much and will also help to save many lives.

Again, to each of you, my family and I thank you so very much.

Jerry McDaniel

Natchez resident