FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Janice Carpio, Community Relations Asst. Director
Phone: (210) 731-5555 ext. 1590
PDA: (210) 630-9635
janice.carpio@bloodntissue.org

High School Students Take on Life-Saving Challenge
San Antonio Teens to be honored for blood donations

(San Antonio, Texas) ─ The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) is honoring all schools, their students and staff who participated in the 2008-2009 Students Donating for Life Challenge, a contest involving blood donations in several area schools. Schools with the largest number and highest percentage of blood donations for the school year will receive $1,000 gift certificates. In the past, students have elected to use these prizes to purchase school equipment, fund their events, and for scholarships. These young heroes will be recognized during a special ceremony at the Donor Pavilion on Tuesday, September 1st from 6pm – 7:30pm.

A one of a kind reunion will also take place. For the first time, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center will reunite a blood recipient with her life-saving donors. Six-year-old Arden Cantwell will have the chance to meet several of the blood donors who helped save her life during her battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia. “Having the chance to meet these amazing people who unselfishly gave their precious blood for my daughter, is going to be an overwhelming experience, filled with joy and happiness,” says Kim Cantwell, Arden’s mother.

Every day in South Texas, 600 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities to help save lives of patients with cancer and other diseases, organ transplant recipients and accident victims. Sixteen percent of those blood donations come from students.

Anyone 16 years old weighing 120 pounds (with a parental consent form), or at least 17 years old weighing 110 pounds, and in good general health can donate blood. It is recommended to eat iron rich foods before donating and to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. Donors must present identification.

For more information about hours or location please call 731-5555 or visit our locations & hours page or www.myspace.com/connectforlife.

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