Those who donate blood give the "gift of life." Karen Garrison of Flora, pictured, knows how important this is. She receives a blood transfusion every month. "I need it to live," she said. She has myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a condition affecting the bone marrow and its ability to produce blood cells. She has received at least two units of blood every month for 13 years. Because of the replenished blood cells, she can continue going about her life. She enjoys knitting, reading, visiting people in nursing homes, and flower gardening. The next Red Cross Bloodmobile visit in Carroll County will be March 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Flora United Methodist Church. Walkins are welcome. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald