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10/12/2012 06:05 PM

Couple kicks off wedding weekend with blood donations

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — They'll be husband and wife on Sunday, but first, the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Seth and Elana Schrank joined their loved ones for a unique pre-wedding event Friday.

"Seth and I are beginning our lives together, and hopefully helping to sustain lives here at Roswell," said Elana Goldberg, the bride.

"It's really been great to have this and bring all the families together and do something that we both do often and enjoy," said Seth Schrank, the groom.

While Elana, Seth and his parents live in Chicago, the Goldbergs live in Western New York, and have had many relatives treated at Roswell Park. Elana's grandmother was one of them, she passed away about four years ago. Elana's parents started donating at Roswell during her treatments.

"I think she was very proud of us, that we had that connection. She loved Roswell and she was very pleased with the care that she got," said Rob Goldberg, Elana's father.

"We give anonymously and just walking through those doors, and seeing some patients that benefit from what we're doing, is just a heartwarming feeling," said Shira Goldberg, Elana's mother.

Giving back is one of the values Seth and Elana say they share, and wanted to incorporate into their wedding.

"They are a perfect fit, and part of that is understanding this, that's one of the things," said Edna Schrank, Seth's mother.

And the couple says it's wonderful to share this experience with those they love.

"Elana and I recognize that we both have been blessed with two wonderful families," said Seth.

The folks at Roswell welcomed their guests with decorations and refreshments - including a non-alcoholic toast.

Now, the Goldbergs and Schranks are looking forward to what they're calling a destination wedding on Sunday at Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo.

Elana said, "I call Buffalo my ancestral homeland, my entire family lives here, both sides, so it's really a special place for us."