Donations Money Cannot Buy

Entering the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, local residents were greeted by a dimly lit area with crystal chandeliers hanging from above and a large, sweeping red curtained stage which faced the many tables. The red stage was the brightest and most prominent decoration in the room, and rightfully so. LifeStream was hosting their annual Gift of Life Tribute, which recognized people that have donated 10 gallons or more of blood since the last celebration. The blood red curtain was not only clever, but also served as a backdrop for the multiple people that were recognized throughout the event. LifeStream is a non-profit organization founded and based in San Bernardino that serves more than 80 medical centers in San Bernardino and Riverside. Supported by companies such as Cintas, Sunrise Toyota, and Loma Linda University. They regularly host community blood drives and visit multiple high schools, churches, business sites, and government agencies across Southern California. They use the donations to provide blood to people who might be suffering from cancer, gunshot wounds, or other ailments. People that actively give blood to LifeStream do so for a variety of reasons. Many simply give blood as an act of kindness to hopefully help someone that needs it, or start because of a local blood drive and actively making the commitment to go back. However, for other donors, there are more personal reasons attached. Ronald Williams, who has donated 47 gallons of blood, said “(his) father had lymphoma and needed the blood.” He started donating for his dad who suffered from this blood cancer, and has continued ever since. Everyone at the event was greeted by a performance by the Kaiser High School and a 3-course lunch. The Master of Ceremonies, Tony Shin who is a reporter for NBC4, and served as Master of Ceremonies kicked off the event by informing the audience, “It is really cool to give blood.” Dr. Axelrod, the President/CEO of LifeStream also gave a few touching words to all of the donors about how they have made a difference. The event premiered the 2014 donor video. This video will be shown throughout the year to encourage people to give blood and chronicled Alex Collins, a San Bernardino County Sheriff deputy who was wounded in a shooting and saved by LifeStream blood donations. Bringing his wife up on stage with him, he humbly accepted an honor of recognition and an art piece. The Humanitarian of the Year award was given to John McMahon, who is also a member of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. The award is given solely to one person that has helped LifeStream and the local community in some major way. Linda Chamlers took the stage, reading off a list of donor names that are new to the 10 gallon club. Every new recipient received a plaque and a photo opportunity. The ceremony ended when Lawrence G. Bloemsma was recognized for giving an astonishing 124 gallons of blood. According to American Red Cross, the average person will donate 3 pints of blood per donation. This means that Bloemsma has donated roughly almost 1,000 pints of blood. Dr. Axelrod again took the stage, closing the ceremony, saying to the donors that they have donated more than money could ever buy, because they have all donated a gift, “the priceless gift, the gift of life.”