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Miles of Kindness Is Hitting Route 66 and Making Stops Across Our Blood Institute's Service Area

Follow the Miles of Kindness documentary as it travels Route 66, sharing powerful stories of lives impacted while encouraging a new generation of blood donors.

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Miles of Kindness Documentary Travels Route 66 to Share Stories Across Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle

This July, the Miles of Kindness documentary is traveling across America to shine a light on the people whose lives have been forever changed by blood donation. Along the way, the documentary will make three stops throughout Our Blood Institute's service area, sharing stories that highlight the importance of maintaining a strong local blood supply.

Produced by Oklahoma-based Matt Payne Media, the documentary follows longtime friends Lori Talbot and Marie Forrestal as they travel Route 66 during its centennial year in a retired ambulance named Rosie the Rescuer. Along the way, they're collecting stories from blood donors, recipients, survivors, caregivers and communities while working to build a national movement that encourages a new generation of blood donors. The team hopes to inspire 2,500 blood donations throughout the journey.

Our Blood Institute is proud to help connect the filmmakers with local donors, patients and families whose stories demonstrate why blood donation matters every day.

Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at an Our Blood Institute donor center or mobile blood drive.

Be sure to enter the promo code MOK when scheduling your appointment.

Join the Movement

About Miles of Kindness

    Miles of Kindness is national awareness movement and documentary focused on blood donation, kindness, and human connection. The film follows Lori Talbot and Marie Forrestal as they travel across America on Route 66 collecting stories that highlight the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the importance of community. The project aims to inspire awareness, encourage blood donation, and remind people that small acts of kindness can change lives.

    Miles of Kindness Route 66 Schedule

    The Miles of Kindness documentary will travel historic Route 66 over 12 days, sharing stories that highlight the lifesaving impact of blood donation in communities across America.

    • July 7-8: Chicago, Illinois
    • July 9: St. Louis, Missouri
    • July 10: Springfield, Missouri
    • July 10-11: Tulsa, Oklahoma
    • July 13: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
    • July 14: Amarillo, Texas
    • July 15: Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • July 16: Winslow, Arizona
    • July 17: San Bernardino, California
    • July 18: Santa Monica, California

    The documentary team will make three stops throughout the Our Blood Institute service area, each highlighting a different aspect of blood donation and transfusion medicine.

    • Tulsa | July 10-11

      The Tulsa stop will tell the story of a young firefighter whose final wish was to spend his last days at home with his family. Through conversations with loved ones, the documentary will explore the challenges surrounding hospice care, blood transfusions and quality of life, while highlighting the difficult decisions families often face during serious illness.

    • Oklahoma City | July 13

      Filming will begin alongside a community blood drive, highlighting the generosity of local blood donors and the importance of maintaining a safe, reliable blood supply. The documentary will also explore how healthcare leaders, advocates and policymakers can work together to strengthen awareness of the ongoing need for blood donation and ensure blood is available for patients every day.

    • Amarillo | July 14

      The Amarillo stop will feature the story of a young woman whose life was saved after a devastating car crash that required an extraordinary amount of donated blood. Her story demonstrates how trauma patients often depend on the generosity of dozens of blood donors, as well as the coordinated efforts of first responders, flight crews and healthcare teams. The filmmakers will also visit Cadillac Ranch to encourage blood donation along one of Route 66's most iconic landmarks.

    Be Part of the 2,500 Blood Donations

      Together, we can help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients across Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Texas Panhandle when they need it most.

      Be sure to enter the promo code MOK when scheduling your appointment.

      Schedule Your Donation