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		People You’ve Helped - Ben Smith   Although Chris Smith is a former blood donor neither he nor his wife, Belinda, ever thought that one of their children would desperately need the lifesaving blood and platelets he once so freely gave. One spring day the Smiths learned that their youngest son, Ben, had Biphenotypic Acute Leukemia, a rare form of the cancer. During his treatment, Ben received many units of blood and platelets. Now in remission, doctors continue to monitor Ben’s red blood cell and platelet counts and say he may still require additional transfusions. "I think donating blood and platelets is the single best tactical way to help a friend,” says Chris. He says the ordeal has “sparked us to encourage others to donate, but also, we’ve started to work to put blood drives in place." Click here to learn more about how Ben is doing. (back)