Hello Haynes Community,

We are all touched when a member of our Haynes family is in need, and we look for any way possible to support them.  Sometimes, though it seems there is little we can do, a unique opportunity presents itself that allows us to be of some assistance and to feel like we are helping in some needed way.

As you might know about 6 weeks ago, Josh Baumer's wife, Niki, became very ill while she was away from home in Philadelphia.  And for these past 6 weeks, she has remained in a hospital in Philadelphia in the Intensive Care Unit.  Josh and their (almost 2 year old) son, Bryan are also in Philadelphia, staying with Niki's parents who live there.  Niki is receiving excellent care in the hospital and recently, Josh has shared some positive news of Niki's strength and improving health.  He frequently updates us through http://www.carepages.com"

Fortunately, Niki has had the physical and mental strength to withstand some very intense treatments, one of which is called plasmapheresis.  She has needed this particular treatment many times over the past month and a half.

On April 21st, Josh wrote the following:
"Each time Niki receives a plasmapheresis treatment, she uses blood products from more than twenty donors. In addition, she has needed a tremendous amount of blood transfusions this week. We are so fortunate that there is a sufficient supply of the blood that is essential to Niki’s recovery. Niki is acutely aware of how important donated blood has been for her survival. Many of you have been asking what you can do to help her during this time. Niki has asked, wherever or whenever you can, for you to please donate blood or blood products. Thank you so much!"

So, here's where we come in...
Together, the Haynes staff and the Haynes Organization of Parents are sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive in support of Niki Baumer.  

Everyone is invited to participate in this blood drive to be held on Friday, May 30th from 1-6PM at Haynes.  There is no particular blood type that is required; we are simply honoring Niki's request to give back. In order to accommodate everyone who is interested, we must limit our donors to the Haynes community. Please also note that there will be babysitting available in the school.

If you would like to donate blood, please contact Beth Renner by calling her at (978)443-1093 x1108, stopping at the front desk, or emailing her at beth_renner@sudbury.k12.ma.us.  Beth will assist you with making an appointment; each donor must have one.  Please allow 1 hour for the entire donation process, which includes registration, completing a confidential health history with a member of the American Red Cross, donating blood, resting for a short while afterward, and optionally, filling out a note card that will be sent to Niki.  If you would like to volunteer to help at the blood drive or if you have any questions, please contact Lisa Gutch by email at lagutch@yahoo.com or by calling her at (978)440-7501.  We will need volunteers to help with registrations, give out snacks and juice to donors, and provide babysitting services.  Anything you can do is much appreciated.

We look forward to May 30th being a very busy day at Haynes, as we all show our support for Niki, Josh and Bryan.

Thank you!

Lisa Gutch                            Beth Renner
(978)440-7501                    (978)443-1093 x1108
lagutch@yahoo.com             beth_renner@sudbury.k12.ma.us