July 2, 2004

Cruising toward a second chance

Bim Holt has a second chance at life thanks to his MGH caregivers and to generous people who donated life-saving blood products. He was hospitalized for nearly a month at the MGH after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia in November of 2002. As a patient at the MGH Cancer Center, Holt received chemotherapy treatments, which can destroy healthy blood cells as well as leukemia cells. Because of this, blood transfusions of red cells and platelets were necessary — and life-saving. Holt received approximately 25 units of red blood cells and 16 platelet transfusions.

As his health began to improve, Holt and his wife, Lib, decided to look forward, not back. They bought a 28-foot Cape Dory Cruiser boat in Pensacola, Florida, and named it "Denial." Their goal is to cruise the boat up to its final destination in Vinalhaven, Maine (Pictured at right, the Holts on their new boat). While he underwent treatments, the couple lived in their home in Cohasset, Mass., and spent as much time as possible on the Denial, making their way up the coast. Enjoying the boat served as a distraction from the reality of cancer.

Now that he is in remission, Holt returns to the MGH for monthly checkups. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the blood I received and the outstanding overall care at the MGH Cancer Center," says Holt.

Lib Holt is a proud blood and platelet donor, who says that she donates because she has seen the other side of giving — the receiving. She hopes that she and other family members can donate as much blood and platelets as it took to make her husband well.

In recent months, blood donations have been on the decline throughout the Boston area. The summer routinely brings a shortage because many regular donors go on vacation. This year brings an additional challenge — the upcoming Democratic National Convention, being held July 26 to 29 — which may hinder the hospital's bloodmobiles and deter donors from coming to the hospital to donate.

"We need to work to ensure that an adequate blood supply is on hand for all patients when they need it. Donating blood is a simple way to save up to three lives in 30 minutes," says Kate DeCoste of the MGH Blood Donor Center.

For more information about donating blood, contact the MGH Blood Donor Center at (617) 724-9699.