Jamie Vazquez
Read MoreAt 35 weeks pregnant, Jamie had to have an emergency C-section and a splenectomy. She received 14 units of blood in the process.
Why Donate
This Life Brought to You by Blood Donors
When you donate blood, you're giving so much more. You're giving people across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas more of all the great things in life. More time with their families. More birthdays. More milestones. More memories. The list goes on.
More Stories
OBI's Blood Matters Blog is filled with stories and videos about patients who depend on blood donors. Here are a few of our favorites:
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Aaron Hawley
Aaron Hawley was diagnosed with leukemia when he was only four years old, leading to treatments for three and a half years. He most recently served his country in the U.S. Army before returning home to the Texas panhandle.
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Addyson Church
Addyson Church is facing a battle no child should endure. The 11-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2023.
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Declan de Gruy
Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder at three months old, Declan de Gruy requires O negative blood transfusions every three weeks.
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Denise Dickerson
Denise Dickerson learned the importance of blood donation after donors saved her own life following a horrific car accident. She uses her second chance at life to help others.
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Jack Chappell
In March 2021, Jack Chappell, a loving husband and father of two, received devastating news: he had exhausted all options, and only a heart transplant could save his life.
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Jennifer Cotto
When Jennifer Cotto and her husband went to donate platelets in late 2022, she thought it would be a breeze. Little did she know she was about to receive news no one ever wants to hear. After Jennifer's platelet donation went through OBI's lab testing, something didn't look right.
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Miller Hines
A healthy blood supply is critical for people like Miller Hines, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Miller and his family are thankful for generous blood donors who make it possible for patients like him to receive treatment.
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Nicona Lane
When OBI employee Nicona Lane gave birth to her second child, she experienced a placenta abruption. Nicona was given a blood transfusion to help regain her strength so she could safely take her newborn baby home.
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Sunni Riley
Sunni Riley suffered a life-threatening hemorrhage during the birth of her twin daughters, ultimately receiving 17 units of blood. She remains grateful for those lifesaving donors — and is now working to save others.
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Susan Knight
Susan Knight was paralyzed from the waist down after a back surgery that went wrong. While in the hospital, she used two units of blood from two separate donors. Since then, she has regained the use of her legs through physical therapy — and wished to thank the blood donors who helped save her life.
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Wyatt & Grady Griffin
Wyatt and Grady both have O negative blood, the universal blood type, meaning they could only receive blood transfusions from other O negative donors when they were born three months premature.
Messages from Blood Recipients
The Thank the Donor® program allows blood recipients and their families to send anonymous thank you messages to their donors. These powerful messages show the impact of the simple act of giving blood.
Your Donation Makes a Difference
Inspired to donate blood? Locate a blood drive near you and help local patients today!
