Some people just seem to know how important it is to give something back. Truly Roth is one of those people. The East Aurora mother began donating blood and platelets more than 15 years ago, long before she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“My daughter was diagnosed and treated for leukemia when she was seven years old and again when she was 16. I know how much it meant to my daughter and I saw first-hand how important it was for so many patients,” says Truly.

For years – long after her daughter’s treatment ended – Truly continued to donate platelets, blood cells in the body that help stop bleeding. Cancer treatments can leave patients with low levels of platelets which can only be replaced by generous donors.

Truly continued, “It was my turn to continue for someone else – whoever they may be – just those many giving strangers who came through for my daughter.” Unfortunately, her beloved daughter, Sara, died in a car accident in 2000.

Roswell Park had become almost a second home to the Roth family so when Truly was diagnosed with breast cancer, the only place she wanted to be treated was at Roswell Park.

“There were so many people at Roswell Park who I already knew – my chemotherapy nurse, Debbie, two sets of brothers in phelbotomy. It was comfortable and reassuring to see those same friendly faces.”

Surgery and chemotherapy were Truly’s course of treatment and today she remains cancer free, but due to her cancer treatments, she is unable to continue her blood donations. Still, good friends such as Leslie Dauer, have taken up her quest and continue the tradition started so many years ago. Leslie is now a regular donor.

“All things happen for a reason. Someone was there for my child and now Leslie is there for another child,” Truly remarks.

Truly’s message of hope for the holidays: “Gifts come in many sizes and packages. Some are not wrapped in bows but are gifts of time. If you are healthy and have the time – one of the greatest gifts you can give to a cancer patient is a donation of blood or platelets.”