LifeStream Honors Top Blood Donors

ALL>> Emotions ran high as LifeStream blood bank welcomed 1,200 guests to its annual Gift of Life Tribute, 10-Gallon Donor Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Riverside Convention Center. The event theme featured the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino and the roles first responders, medical professionals and volunteer blood donors contributed to the community’s ability to heal and move forward. Julie Paez of San Bernardino, wounded in the attack, received a lengthy, standing ovation when introduced, and tearfully thanked blood donors for helping save her life and others wounded. All 22 victims who were transported from Inland Regional Center on December 2 survived their injuries; most required blood transfusions. “The blood was going out me as fast as they could put it in,” Paez said. Moments later, Paez was joined on stage by members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, City of San Bernardino Police Department and San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Department. All participated or assisted in LifeStream’s “Tribute” video, which was premiered at the event. Youth was served when Redlands High School freshman Keely Proctor received LifeStream’s first Youth Ambassador Award. Keely eagerly joined the ranks of volunteer blood donors last fall soon after turning 15. For her, donation came full circle; she received 30 units of blood when just 8 years of age after falling from a ski lift and suffering internal injuries. LifeStream presented its Humanitarian of the Year award to Redlands Community Hospital and its first Award for Medical Excellence to Dr. Wesley T. (“Tait”) Stevens, chief of section, transfusion medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center. Capping the event was a salute to 14 LifeStream donors who have reached the 100-gallon milestone, including Larry Bloemsma, Redlands (141 gallons) and Robert Hitchman III, Highland (140 gallons) at the top of the list, and Dale Philbrick, Rialto, the most recent to join the exclusive club. With a nod to that evening’s Academy Awards’ presentation, guests enjoyed a “red-carpet walk” with (of course) photo op, along with a silent auction prior to the luncheon and program. Heather Froglear, morning K-FROG radio personality, served as mistress of ceremonies. LifeStream supplies blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals. For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org.