Home : Blogs : Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR®, Broker : THE MS Gulf Coast Welcomes You!

You Can Make a Difference and it will only cost some time and a little Pain

REALTORS--Do you ever write a blog and wish beyond anything that this one would be Featured? That this is actually a Life and Death situation and that the more people who know about it the greater chance of a difference, an impact being made? This is one of those times that I wish I were a better writer and more impressive blogger... But, you know what? Even a few people who read this blog and act on it can make a difference.

I believe in the Power of God, I also believe in the Internet Power that Active Rain/Localism has. Please, if you read this blog, email it to others.

This note is on the Gulf Coast MLS Message of the Day: CAll for Assistance: Blood Donations Needed. Fellow REALTOR, Jon Ross and husband of MLS/GCAR Staff employee has recently been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. Jon has been admitted to Oschner Hospital in New Orleans and will be undergoing treatments soon. Anyone wishing to donate blood for Jon may do so in any city/state through a blood bank affiliated with the National Blood Exchange. At this time it is my understanding that the Red Cross does not have a Replacement agreement with Ochsner Hospital.

Jon would receive a credit, rather than your blood directly--so blood type does not matter.

Sometimes The Christmas Season can be overwhelming with need of those around us. There is a point that we each must feel that we can't do anything more. Most of us can do 1 more thing.

Even if you can't donate blood for some reason, please comment here because I would like to send it to the Ross's.

It will also be a message to the World about what being a REALTOR, and being an Active Rain Member says about individuals. Also, if you are reading this and you are not a REALTOR, you may still donate blood.

PS: I am posting to Spiritual Rain and Christianity in REAL Estate without a scriptural lesson attached. Please allow this as an exception.

If anyone wishes to send a card:

Jon Ross Family, %The Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS, INC., 141 DeBuys Rd., Gulfport, MS 39507, OFC Phone: 228-896-3122.

Bless You All!

Click here for FAQ about Blood Donation:

There are 3 types of Blood Donations: Volunteer, Replacement, and Paid. What will help Jon is a Replacement Donation.

Click here to access blood bank locations by zip code that have a reciprocal agreement as a part of the National Blood Exchange.

http://americasblood.org You can input your zip code to see where your nearest facilities are located. I do not know if they participate in the replacement program.

We are all good at Internet Research--I am sure there is a blood drive or a donation clinic near your "farm". The Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS will be sponsoring a Blood Drive at the REALTOR BLDG sometime by mid January. Please Check your MLS for up to date information.

This blog has changed a bit as I gathered more information. Thanks to REALTOR/Active Rain members across the nation for caring, and for your prayers.

What does REsearch and REal Estate have in common? :-)

Posted by Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR®, Broker on 12/20/2007 01:50 PM

Comments (65)

realtor, mls, active rain, blog, leukemia, ochsner hospital new orleans, jon ross, gulf coast association o realtors

Originally posted at: THE MS Gulf Coast Welcomes You!: You Can Make a Difference and it will only cost some time and a little Pain

Post is included in group: Mississippi Real Estate Professionals

65 Comments on You Can Make a Difference and it will only cost some time and a little Pain

DEC

2007

Suzi,

If I could give blood, I would. It seems that, because I was in Germany for a couple of years, my blood can't be donated. Crazy, huh?

Anyway, I hope your message gets out there to as many people as possible. God bless you and your effort.

Thanks, Andy. You can email this blog if you know of anyone sitting around thinking, "How can I bless a stranger this year:-). Just click on that email symbol under my name.

Hi Suzi, I'll pass the word at the office. Hope Jon gets better.

Thank you, SO much!

I will post this as a prayer request, sis.....

May he get all the blood he needs and
may this situation glorify God !!

amen!

\O/

Oh, How I wish I could give blood. They have denied me for years because of my frequency outside the states... soon. One day I will give!

Thank you both!

DEC

2007

Sending prayers, thoughts and strength to him during this time of need. Thank you for the information that it does not matter what state or city you are in to donate blood for someone. I did not know that.

Melanie, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I did not know that either. I still need to do my donation. I also talked to the Red Cross. They are willing to go to REALTOR buildings and conduct blood drives. (I am not hinting for you guys to do this for Jon, just to let you know if you ever run into a dire need). My thought for that is that if the REALTOR Association building were used for a good purpose such as this ever so often, it would also soften up some attitudes towards REALTORS as a whole.

I will be sending this link to Roni, Jon's wife soon. I am sure both of them will appreciate the concern and prayer back up from Active Rain members.

DEC

2007

Suzi,

I will pass this around to the office and friends. I wish Jon the best and I hope everything will come out well.

Dave

Dave, thank you! If anyone wants to send a card that would go to: Jon Ross, % Gulf Coast Association of REALTORS, 141 Debuys Rd., Gulfport, MS, 39507.

Andrew and I are in the same situation but I can definitely pray for their strength and understanding.

Suzi, sorry to hear about this. Can you tell us what blood type is needed.? this may help.

I have given blood often, and ask othes, hey there's the van let's give and then the squirming begins. Sometimes I just don't get it.

please let us know about the blood type. thanks.

I can't donate blood but I can, and will, say a prayer.

I also am no longer a candidate for giving blood but I will say a prayer for Jon and his family and for you MS SUZI for being so selfless and inspiring to others. Thank you and God Bless you dear.

My husband and I do not qualify to give blood due to our having lived in England and Mad Cow Disease. Okay, it's been nearly 20 years, and I haven't grown horns or utters (although I have been a mad cow, some might say, at times, when provoked), so I'm waiting for the moratorium to be lifted! I have been permitted to pray, so I will do that with all my heart.

Thank you Dave D. for sending me here via your very silly post.

Suzi: For many years, I gave blood as often as I could. For the past few years, they've turned me away because I am dealing with anemia. It breaks my heart that I cannot give. I will pray!!! I am praying right now!

Father, I lift up Jon and his family to you. Lord, I don't know this man, but you do. I humbly ask that you surround him and his family with your peace and love. Father bring them the comfort that only You can give. Fill their hearts, minds, spirits and lives with Your peace that passes all understanding. Father, move on the hearts of people across this network to give the gift of blood to this brother. Most importantly...move their hearts to keep him and his family in their prayers, as they go about enjoying the blessings of this season. Lord, I still believe in miracles... Amen

good for you!! Thanks for sharing this with us

My prayers go out to Jon and his family. May God bless them during this trying time.

Latonia, Can you elaborate? We can all support you in prayer as well. Do you guys also need blood donations? For those of us who can give, we can give every two months.

Nick, Thanks for stopping in and inquiring. I will see if I can find out. But, I believe it is an even trade so that it doesn't matter his type or the donor's type, he will be credited.

Gary, Prayer works!

Gail, You are awesome.

Natalie, You are blessed that you don't MOO. What silly post? Did I miss something?

So, much trial and tribulation in our physical world. I need to "move" some real estate just so I can be more helpful to others in a financial way. When I read the request for blood donations, I thought, I can do this! Because of my background in Psychology and Sociology I tend to take others with me--(Sociology 101--no one is truly unique. I know, all of us will want to argue that, but the principle is that someone else in the world has likely thought and felt the same as we do at any given time.) So, when I had forgotten about donating blood until the request to help Jon came over our MLS news-- I felt relieved. There is something I can do, and maybe others had forgotten how meaningful donating blood can be for a recipient anywhere. So, that's why I contacted you guys and made it public.

Now, a little about Active Rain membership--we have our professional blogs and professional differences. But, when you dig a little deeper, not far beyond the surface is a depth of heart and soul that is hard to find anywhere else in our physical world, even our churches. No One can understand a REALTOR like another REALTOR, and even more specifically no one understands a Christian Realtor like another Christian REALTOR. Our world--both competitive and cooperative, filled with faith, a dogged determination to do the right thing. Sparring at negotiation, binding wounds when the other hurts. Praying for one another... Like you, I have not had the opportunity to meet Jon, but I can pray, and I can donate blood.

Sometimes in our REAL World of Real Estate, professionally, we cannot show weakness or hurt. Yet, I know that when I really need support that someone among our 62, 338 members will be there for me. I simply hope to return as much as I have been given.

From time to time I take breaks from AR to focus on tangible, physical Real Estate. When I do so, please remember you can and are invited to email me direct or call me if you need support.

Suzi, thanks for raising awareness for blood donations. I've been a regular 5 times a year blood donor for 6 years now and it is one of the most rewarding experiences to be able to make a difference in peoples' lives and the community.

Thanks, Brian. I also appreciate the message from our Gulf Coast REALTOR Association and the MLS to remind me that I can do as you have done. It really doesn't hurt much and its a chance to relax (just a few extra benefits:-)

Suzi, Here is the link. This might explain why I came bouncing in on a high note... http://activerain.com/blogsview/313180/A-personal-letter-from

Suzi, thanks for sharing the need and Jon's address. I'm no longer eligible to donate but will definitely send a card.

I'M NEW HERE AND I WANT TO SAY YOURS BEING THE SECOND BLOG I READ YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON TO HAVE REACHED OUT LIKE THIS. MY PRAYERS TO THEM AND YOU AND I WILL BE GIVING BLOOD FIRST OF THE YEAR. WHAT A WONDERFUL THOUGHT. MAY THIER PRAYERS BE ANSWERED AND THIER HEALTH INPROVE

PAT

I'm not sure if I missed something, but where and how do I go about making sure the credit is given to your friend? I've normally just given to the local bus, when its around. =thanks

Is this Red Cross because I cannot donate under their guidelines. I don't weigh enough, and I have ALWAYS since high school, wanted to do this!

Suzi, Please let Jon and his family know that we are with them in all out hearts. I wish we could support them personally but we are too far in Cleveland. My family knows very well how important it is to know that someone else is thinking about you and wishing you get well. My son had a brain tumor 7 years ago, he is doing well now, thanks to wonderful doctors and support of all our friends, relatives and community. Jon, dear, please be patient, be strong, and you get well soon!

Few practical questions: what blood type needed? how can we notify who our blood should go to? Do we need more detailed information?

Suzi, My friend. I am learning about all this late. But, better late than never. Your heart is as big as Texas and if I can give, you know I will. This is all so surreal. God Bless you and all the Active Rain members. Deb

My prayers to him and his family. What a horrible thing to happen. But sometimes in all the horrible, you see the kindness of people start to show.

I wish I could still give blood but I can't anymore. I will keep him in my prayers.

What type is he?

I had personal comments for each of you -twice- and -twice- I was a klutz and hit wrong key and it evaporated. So, here we go again:-)

Stella, The fact that you care is meaningful. I didn't know until comments on this blog that so many people are willing but unable to give blood. So, I have learned from comments here.

Christy, I think they are probably dealing with it in a positive manner. But the good will and prayers expressed here have got to be a booster.

Debra A, The surrealism can be attributed to the Mischievous, amazing Dave. I just thought if we got the word out that there may be a few people hanging out thinking, I know there's one more thing I can do for someone--let's see, what could that be?

Svetlana, I will send them the link to this blog tomorrow. It is my understanding that it doesn't matter what type of blood because it is replacement. For instance Type A goes in, Type B can come out. I think the main thing is to let whoever is doing the blood work to know that you wish it to be replacement for Jon Ross, Oschner Hospital, New Orleans. Amazing news about your son.

Renee, Bless your heart! I have never had that problem and cannot visualize not weighing enough. Because of several questions related to qualifying to donate blood I edited my blog and posted a FAQ about Blood donations. You are right; if you weigh less than 110 you can't donate. It must be frustrating to want to donate and not be able to.

Nick, thank you for clarifying. If your local bus participates in the replacement program, all they need is replacement for Jon Ross, Oschner Hospital, New Orleans. Thank you So much!

Pat, I can't tell if you actually joined AR. Anyway, its amazing that my blog was the second you read when there are SO Many Great Blogs and Amazing Bloggers. For Fun, go to Natalie's comment here and click on that link. If you want a fun newbie quick start assignment try this: Click on each person that commented here, read some of their blogs, leave some meaningful comments, then write your blog about the experience. It will be a Rich blog. Be sure and notify me so I can visit your blog when you are up and running.

Debbie M., Surprise cards are medicine for the soul.

Latonia, I agree with Elizabeth's prayer for you and your husband, too.

Elizabeth, we need to get rid of that Anemia. I want to visualize you feeling really well.

Sean and Jordan, thank you both for visiting and commenting.

Prayers and lots of them! What a totally amazing group.

Thank you, and I will be sending this email to the Ross's soon.

We are unable to be candidates. May he get what he needs. All the best to him and his family. Thanks for sharing this for everyone to know.

DEC

2007

My prayers are for Jon and his family. Due to similar circumstances I can not donate blood Jon so desperately needs. I have a prayer for him in our Church this Sunday.

Bob, Carolyn,and Renate: Thank you for caring.

We will keep him in our prayers. May he receive what he needs to get better.

Suzi, I am not able to give blood at this time because of medication I am currently taking but I will pray for Jon and spread the word around. I will put him in our church's prayer request! God's speed!

Robert, I am in agreement with your statement. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

Earnie, it seems that this was not a good time for many to donate blood. However, prayers in agreement of 2 or more are have got to be just as effective or more effective than blood donations.

Again, I had forgotten about how powerful blood donations could be in a person's life. I plan to be a regular donor. (I, too have to get past a cold before I can do it. That shouldn't be very much longer)

Our local hospital here doesn't do walk in donations, I am keeping my eyes open the next time a drive is on anywhere near by.

The note from our MLS concerning Jon, and my sharing with all of you--heightened my awareness of many who are suffering in silence--as well as the renewed goal to give blood consistently. I know a lot more now about donating blood than I did when I started this:-)

Earnie, it seems that this was not a good time for many to donate blood. However, prayers in agreement of 2 or more are have got to be just as effective or more effective than blood donations.

Our local hospital here doesn't do walk in donations, I am keeping my eyes open the next time a drive is on anywhere near by.

I wish your friend all the best in the world and that he experiences a complete and speedy recovery!

While I can't donate anymore, I did get my 2 gallon pin before I became ineligible to donate. One of the reasons that I did donate for so long was that my life was saved by a transfusion. If a number of different people hadn't taken the time and effort to donate a small piece of themselves, I wouldn't be here.

So, please....be it for this gentleman or for some one who you will probably never meet, it's an important thing to do and if you're eligible, please take the time!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Suzi- My wishes and prayers for the whole family.......Like a few of the others I cannot donate blood....but send my prayers :)

Bob, I am so happy you are still with us! Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement.

Kathy, More in agreement. That alone is powerful.

I just read this for the first time and I will keep you in my prayers and see if my husband and I can donate blood next week. Do we actually tell the Red Cross his name when we donate? I'll check back to see what you say. I've never done it in someone's name before but it is a great way to make a difference. Thanks for writing this so we can all pray for you.

Suzi,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jon and his family and friends. One of my oldest friends (I walked to school with him from kindergarden through high school graduation) was diagnosed about 15 years ago. It is not an easy time.

I will be sending out prayers in your direction.

Suzi,

I have passed this message on to as many people as I can at the office. My prayers are with him and may the guiding light lead him to a healthy recovery.

Have a great weekend.

Dave

I'm hoping to give blood Monday morning, it was already in my plans. :o)

Suzi, you are an inspiration. After reaching the 3 gallon mark many years ago, I sadly fell away from regular donations. I am helping to setup then donating on 1/5/08 at our office. We are hosting the Red Cross that day. I have now added quarterly blood donations to my business plan! I will ask that this first one go to John. (I hope he's A+ blood type!) Do I just give his name and city and state?

Suzi ~ Thanks for taking the time to share this post. John and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Suzi, I am a regular donator. Jon is in my prayers.

Gary, Brian, Robert S, Sarah C, Dave D, Karen, Martin -- Each of you are amazing in your own ways. My eyes have truly been opened in many ways with this experience. I am not related to the Ross family--just wanted to see if I could help, and look what all of you are doing!

I believe all of us qualify for the 2 or more to be in agreement (Matthew 18): 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ^abind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall ^aagree on earth as ^btouching any thing that they shall ^cask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are ^agathered ^btogether in my ^cname, there am I in the ^dmidst of them.

Isn't it amazing to know that God is in the midst of us? This Group? This Blog?

Everyone, it is my understanding that it doesn't have to be type for type--that when you specifiy

"replacement or in some places dedication" , if you give Jon Ross, Oschner Hospital in New Orleans--that he will receive credit.

DEC

2007

Suzi, what a great way to remind us of this very small thing we can all do and truly make a difference. Thanks.

Peggy, thank you, I had forgotten myself until this situation came up. Just think what a difference could be made if each REALTOR Association building at the local level would sponsor a drive every two months. WOW!

I will pass this on. I have MS so not sure that they wil take my blood anymore.

Gayle, thanks for dropping by to comment. Passing it on can be a Huge contribution.

DEC

2007

Suzi, what a sweet post. Each of us, I think, take our lives and health too much for granted. We assume we will see our loved one the next minute, hour or day. We assume we'll feel like getting out of bed the next day. Catastrophic illnesses hit without warning. My prayers will certainly include Jon Ross and his family.

Terry, hello and thank you for commenting. I wrote you an outragiously long comment, then realized I was hijacking this blog myself, I will share other thoughts regarding many issues raised here in a blog to be titled Active Sidebar|You Made a Difference.

I had no intention of drawing attention to myself, but the reason for writing as stated--I trust the AR membership to do what they are doing: Join in Prayer Agreement if You are a Believer, Donate if you can-- whether or not a member is a believer, Pass the need on, whether or not a member is a believer.

I expect phenomenal results from the participation of you all. Thank you for caring, praying, donating, and basically for being an Active Member.

DEC

2007

Suzi - Thank you for sharing this on AR. I will keep Jon and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

DEC

2007

My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all. Please keep us posted on progress and I will pass this on to all I can. My brother works for the Red Cross and I will pass this along to him as well.

God Bless

DEC

2007

The Red Cross is a wonderful organization and anyone who donates through them is doing a worthy thing. However in Jon's case with Ochsner Hospital, the Red Cross does not participate in the Credit or Replacement at this time. It is the Blood Centers with the National Blood Exchange that can make sure that Jon gets credit/replacement for donations around the US.

Thank you all.

Howdy Suzi

Thank you for leting us know about Jon needing help. I will to replacement blood donations as offend as the National Blood Exahange will let me.

Have a good one

Dale

DEC

2007

Howdy back at you Dale. Thank you. So, it looks like I have learned and been blessed by this blog. The focus is for Jon, this time. But, in thinking about his need my eyes have been opened and I will become a regular donor myself.

DEC

2007

Wishing You HAPPY HOLIDAYS and Best Wishes for A GREAT YEAR 2008.

New York Certified Home Inspector Long Island NY Tommy Nassau/Suffolk/Queens Home Inspections

JAN

2008

Just read Dave's Blog which sent me to your blog, and my wife and I give regularly so we will see whast we can do (we were suppose to give last week but were sick so maybe this was how it was suppose to be). I will print out your post and hopefully my wife and I can both give for your friend Jon.

John, thank you. Funny how Providence works. I love it when my plans are overridden by the Supreme Broker.

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