NACOGDOCHES (April 3, 2008) – In 2007, hundreds of East Texas donors stepped up to Commit for Life by regularly donating blood, saving thousands of lives in our area. The Blood Center East Texas paid tribute to these 766 gold-level donors at the Gathering of Heroes dinner Saturday, March 29, at the Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center.

Featured speaker Leslie Nichols shared how blood donors had personally touched her family during her daughter’s battle with leukemia. Three-year-old Lexie is alive today because she received 15 units of blood from voluntary donors. Her mother expressed gratitude for the life-saving efforts of Commit for Life donors, and she encouraged them to continue their commitment so blood is available for other children and patients like Lexie.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Mike Hammock, an internationally acclaimed country music singer. Hammock has a special connection to The Blood Center, as he has been a regular donor for 12 years.

Two Nacogdoches residents, Dennis Chapman and Howard Williamson, earned top honors for each providing 50 gallons of donations through apheresis, a technique that allows for more efficient blood donation by drawing separate components of blood from a donor. William Bryant, also of Nacogdoches, was recognized for donating 20 gallons of whole blood, more than any other whole-blood donor in 2007.

The following 12 donors received diamond pins for having donated their 10th gallon of blood last year: Mark Aucoin, Donna Burkett, Judy Button, Clifford Esau, April Evans, Gene Graves, Janiece Hudiburgh, Rosalind Jordan, Meydon Lymbery, Cynthia Payne, Dell Steptoe and Frank Still.

More than 16,000 blood donations are needed in 2008 to meet patient needs in our area. The Blood Center East Texas depends on the generosity of the community to serve eight hospitals and health care facilities in six counties. For locations where you may Commit for Life or to schedule your donation, visit www.givebloodet.org or call (936) 560-3054.

ABOUT US: The Blood Center East Texas is asking its donors to Commit for Life. It takes three simple steps: 1) Donate once per quarter; 2) allow The Blood Center to contact you; and 3) spread the word, encouraging others to Commit for Life.

The Blood Center East Texas is the primary supplier of blood products to hospitals and healthcare facilities in the six counties surrounding Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health.

For additional information, call 1(888) 433-1733, or visit our Web site at www.givebloodet.org The Blood Center East Texas, an affiliate of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, is an independent, nonprofit blood center and is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.

Images Coming Soon...