DRIVE KICK-OFF: From left: OBI Director Vickie Holkum, Susan G. Komen-Tulsa Executive Director Christy Southard, OBI Associate Medical Director Jean Forsberg, 20-year breast cancer survivor Carol Southard, breast cancer survivor Audrey Reeves, five-year breast cancer survivor and Susan G. Komen-Tulsa Board of Directors member Kay Cowan and breast cancer survivor Shana Lamons.
MIRANDA ENZOR for GTR Newspapers
Susan G. Komen for the Cure-Tulsa and Oklahoma Blood Institute-Tulsa Center invite Tulsans to “Open Your Arms to Fight Breast Cancer” April 1 to May 22.
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. During chemotherapy and radiation both cancer cells and healthy cells are destroyed, so patients may need blood and platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding or to fight infections. When donors open their arms to patients in need, they are not only doing a good deed. They are extending a lifeline to neighbors, loved ones and friends.
Any donor who gives blood, platelets or plasma April 1 to May 22 at OBI Tulsa Center or at an area mobile drive can elect to forgo the normal t-shirt incentive (a $4 value) in favor of having OBI make a contribution to underwrite programs at Susan G. Komen for the Cure-Tulsa. OBI needs help to ensure necessary blood products are available on-demand for the daughters, mothers and grandmothers in the community who are battling breast cancer right now.
To donate, come by OBI Tulsa Center located at 4601 E. 81st Street. Center hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. To make a donation appointment in advance, call (918) 477-0400.
OBI is a non-profit regional blood center providing blood to more than 110 hospitals in Oklahoma and North Texas. OBI encourages donors to visit www.obi.org and join the OBI Members For Life appreciation program to begin earning points for valuable online merchandise.
