Fun to see our little heroes on the news!

See original article & a video here:
http://grcentral.wzzm13.com/news/news/man-donates-35-gallons-blood/57630

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - Every two seconds someone in this country is in need of blood.  While nearly 40% of the U. S. population is eligible to donate blood, less than 10% do.
One West Michigan man has dedicated most of his life to blood donation by donating 35 gallons of blood, that's the equivalent to saving 840 lives.
Recently, Dick Benjamin also began donating platelets because he wanted to help pediatric cancer patients who need it as part of their treatment.
We surprised him with a visit to the Helen De Vos Children's Hospital to meet one of the many patients who benefit from his generous donation.  We headed to the 10th floor - the home to pediatric cancer patients.
Dr. David Dickens is a pediatric oncologist and explains why people like Dick are so important, "Without platelet transfusions patients undergoing chemotherapy very commonly would have problems with bleeding that won't stop."
Gerrit Baas has brain cancer, he receives blood platelet transfusions an average of twice a week and is only able to continue chemotherapy because of donors like Dick.
"Meeting these kids just makes my day," says Dick. Gerrit tells him his brain tumor was discovered because his vision was getting blurry, "When they took the MRI they found out I had a tumor and they tried removing it but they couldn't take it all out so now I'm having chemo."
And Gerrit says receiving platelet transfusions is actually kind of fun, "It's pretty much just sitting in a chair watching TV all day.
Before it's time to say goodbye Dick gives his final hug of the day makes a promise to continuing giving Gerrit the platelets he and other pediatric cancer patients need for as long as he can.
If you've been inspired by Dick Benjamin's story to donate blood or platelets you're in luck. MI Blood is holding a blood drive May 24th - May 26th at its main location on Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids.

Makeover & Limo party!

On May 17^th the For a Day Foundation of Grand Rapids hosted a private visit for 6 yr old "A", her 9 yr old sister "Z" and her mom. Due to conflicts in her schedule, mom had to back out at the last minute but dad was a trooper and stepped in to fill mom’s space.

Our event started out at S & S Salon in Byron Center, MI. Stylist, Denise, added Shimmerz to both girls along with make-up and a cute style. Tracie, nail tech, pampered our Queens with a pedicure. After the pampering, Tracie and Denise presented each girl with with a small bag of product. For a Day gave each girl a gift bag and presented our queen with a flower bouquet. The girls were all smiles. 

After an hour at the salon, the transportation arrived.  An Excursion Limo!!! The girls changed into new dresses that mom had bought for the occasion and piled into their elegant ride.  Adding to the feel of celebrity, the limo arrived at the same time a school bus was dropping off a group of kids. The girls enjoyed the looks from the moms waiting in the drive and the kids exiting the bus and pointing at the big, white limo in front of them!!!  Thanks to Affordable Limousine and our wonderful driver, Nick!!!

The limo transported the girls to the Grand Rapids Fraternal Order of Police Hall, donated by the City of Grand Rapids. There, police officer and photographer, John Riley, had a studio set up to snap some pics of the girls and their dad. While the pictures were being taken, I picked up dinner for the 3 of them. "A"s choice, a cheeseburger kids meal with only ketchup and pickle. The pickle was had to be taken off  though before she ate the burger. J  True “kid” style. Dinner and necklaces for each girl were donated by Holly Littell.

 The girls and dad had a wonderful afternoon and were a little worn out by all the excitement of the day.