On behalf of the American Red Cross family, I would like to extend my thanks to the staff, students and faculty of GW for answering the call to give blood following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on our country.

The response you gave our Red Cross Headquarters blood drive was overwhelming. Through the unselfish acts of GW students, approximately 100 units of life-saving blood were collected from your team. In addition, GW students served as volunteer transporters for other students to and from our donor site and volunteered their services at our blood drive throughout the entire week.

I had an opportunity to visit the blood drive and want to recognize the spirit of patience, cooperation and support the GW team offered as multitudes of donors overwhelmingly volunteered to give the gift of life. While our country questioned the barbaric acts at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I was privileged to see firsthand the kind actions of the GW team.

Your volunteer spirit is the heart of the American Red Cross, and I am reminded once again that the Red Cross is here for those in need because supporters like you are there for the American Red Cross. Thank you again for generously answering the call to give blood and for volunteering. I challenge you to continue to support those in need by becoming a regular blood donor.

-Ramesh Thadani
chief executive officer,
Biomedical Services,
American Red Cross