Donors Archives | BioBridge Global

Alamo Quarry Market shines for Donate Life Month

Posted on April 19, 2021April 20, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

Quarry stacks lit blue and green to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation

The stacks at the Alamo Quarry Market will be lit blue and green from April 19-29 to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation during National Donate Life Month.

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, a subsidiary of BioBridge Global, and Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) are encouraging the community to participate by joining the Donate Life Texas registry throughout April.

Those who would like to join or check their status on the organ, eye and tissue donation registry can visit DonateLifeTexas.org/SouthTexasBlood.

National Donate Life Month, observed in April, was established in 2003 to encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved and enhanced lives through the gift of donation. This week, Donate Life Texas announced that 13 million Texans have registered to the Donate Life Registry.

“Every day, 17 people in America die while waiting for a transplant,” President Joe Biden said in a proclamation about National Donate Life Month. “Yet, all of us have the power to help: one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and can improve another 75 lives through eye and tissue donation.”

Elizabeth Waltman, chief operating officer at South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, personally knows how the gift of donation can help. Following an accident in 2018, she was experiencing pain so horrible she could hardly walk.

Waltman received donated bone during surgery to help stabilize and heal her spine.

“The surgery made a huge difference in my mobility and quality of life,” Waltman said. “I believe that the donation of bone expedited the healing process and got me back to work and doing the things I love to do quickly.”

Each year, 1.5 million people like Waltman will be healed through the gift of tissue donation. Tissue donations can help those suffering from burns, traumatic wounds, disease or malfunctioning heart valves, arthritis, athletic injuries and more.

Through the month of April, information about the Donate Life Texas registry will also be available in South Texas Blood & Tissue donor rooms. A remembrance board is set up in the Donor Pavilion donor room where donor families can leave a message in honor of their loved one.

In addition, on Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m., TOSA will host an Overview of Organ Donation webinar featuring a panel discussion with a clinical member of TOSA’s team as well as donation partners. The hour-long webinar will also feature Stories of Hope from a donor family and a kidney recipient who received her transplant in February.

To sign up, visit TOSA’s website, www.TOSA1.org

Kimberly Monroe: Called to action, educate with compassion

Posted on April 19, 2021April 12, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

Few things in life allow us to give life to others. But Kimberly Monroe has made a career of giving life for the past 19 years.

As Manager of Business Development with STBTC Donor Development, her primary job is to promote the importance of tissue and organ donor registration, especially in the African American community – a community under-represented on all donor registries.

A native of Homestead, Florida, Kimberly felt she was called to her career after seeing blood cancers take a toll on her family and community. Today, she also recognizes the need for tissue and organ donors, and she works with local healthcare partners to encourage as many people as possible to sign up.

“It’s incredible how the gift from one tissue donor can help so many people suffering from burns, heart problems, broken bones and more,” she said.

One of her goals is to encourage African Americans, as well as many other ethnic groups, to join registries to donate organs, tissue and stem cells.

“Unfortunately, many minorities do not donate, either because of stigma or a lack of information,” she says. “African-Americans are the least likely to donate or find a match in the stem cell registry. But there’s a real need for donors of all minority backgrounds.”

The global pandemic has had a serious effect on tissue donations as well, Monroe says.

“Protocol changes and concerns around COVID-19 in hospitals have reduced the number of donations and delayed lifesaving transplants,” she says.

Despite the struggles, Monroe is happy to be working hard to save lives.

“Every day, I’m energized to come to work,” she says. “I love how rewarding it feels, and how I am part of a variety of projects. Every day brings something new to the table.”

Kaleidoscope of Grief

Posted on April 9, 2021April 12, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

Kaleidoscopes. We’ve all looked into one, yes? For me, I need to close one eye to do so, and I know that no two are the same.

When you look into a kaleidoscope, you see a collective image of broken pieces. Turn it a bit to the right or the left and you get a totally different and constantly changing image – especially when held up to a light.

I also see the kaleidoscope images as being awesome – beauty in brokenness, as pieces come together to form new images.

Just as it is with grief. It is unique to each new day.

In talking about a kaleidoscope of grief; I see the broken pieces representing our lives after a death has happened.

We tend to feel broken, with rough edges, wondering if we will ever be “whole” again.

These pieces of grief can be thoughts and memories of our loved ones, reminders of secondary losses (such as loss of the familiar, loss of support systems, loss of income, loss of dreams for the future to name a few).

And even though we will not be the same “whole” we were before the death of our loved one, we are beautifully broken as we continue to change and strive to create new meanings/connections with our loved ones along our grief journey’s path.

I will be talking more about the Kaleidoscope of Grief through our virtual support group, which will be streamed on our STBTC Grief Support Facebook Live group, on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to reach me at 210-757-9428 during business hours, or you can email me.

National Donate Life Month

Posted on April 9, 2021April 12, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

April is National Donate Life Month (NDLM) to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation, their families, and help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.

While we continued to take COVID-19 precautions, you can still help us honor your loved ones through our Facebook Group – STBTC Grief Support.

Here are some ways you can participate this week:

Saturday, April 10 – Volunteer Appreciation Day

Share a photo of your loved one or your family doing volunteer work (the photo doesn’t need to be recent!)

Sunday, April 11 – Create Donate Life Rocks

Paint a rock in honor of your loved one to put in your garden. If you’re in San Antonio, you can also bring it to our Donor Pavilion and place it in our Legacy Garden. Don’t forget to share a photo of your painted rock on our Facebook Group, or on your social media with #DonateLifeMonth.

Monday, April 12 – Donate Life Flag Raising Day

Share a photo of your flag with a few sentences about your loved one and #DonateLifeMonth. We will be posting our flag raising in the STBTC Grief Support Facebook group.

Tuesday, April 13 – Write a Message of Hope

Write a message about your loved one, to other families who may be going through their grief journey, or to those who may have received an organ, eye, or tissue donation. We will also have a bulletin board posted at our Donor Pavilion if you would like to leave a message.

Wednesday, April 14 – Thank Your Healthcare Heroes

Post a message of love to our healthcare heroes, who have worked so hard over the last year.

Thursday, April 15 – Donate Life Chalk

Get your sidewalk chalk out and create some Donate Life-inspired art!

Friday, April 16 – National Blue and Green Day

Wear your Donate Life shirt, or blue and green. Take a photo and post it to your social media with #DonateLifeMonth and why you support the organ, eye, and tissue registry.

Study shows teen blood donors more likely to also sign up for organ registry

Posted on April 5, 2021April 7, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

A new study of teenagers in California found that students who donated blood were significantly more likely to be registered as organ donors.

Among the 1,784 students from four different population areas, 953 identified as blood donors. Of those, 314 (32.9%) were registered as organ donors – compared to 198 of the 831 non-blood donors in the survey (23.8%).

The disparity was evident in both male and female donors.

“I don’t really find this surprising,” said Kimberly Monroe, Manager, Business Development in Tissue at South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. “In my experience, when educated about donation, teens often express an interest in registering and will often inquire about how to do so.

“It’s especially true if they are nearing the age to obtain a driver’s license and they find out how easy it is to register when doing so.”

The study, Assessment of High School Students’ Participation in Blood Donation and Registration as an Organ Donor, was published in the JAMA Network.

The study also found that among students who were not registered as organ donors, more than half were willing to register.

The authors of the study discussed that if “expressed willingness to register as an organ donor translates to registration, then simply asking high school students to register as organ donors might increase registration.

“However, intent does not always translate to action.”

Anyone 13 or older can register to be an organ and tissue donor in Texas, but a parent must give permission for donation until age 18.

Click here to learn more about Donate Life Texas and register as an organ donor.

Click here to learn more about blood donation and schedule an appointment.

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center donor rooms to remain open through holiday weekend to meet urgent need for blood

Posted on April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

With the demand for blood soaring, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is fighting an expected seasonal drop in donations over Passover and Easter Week by keeping donor rooms open and asking the community to give the gift of life this holiday weekend.

The blood center will remain open through the Passover and the Easter holiday weekend including Sunday at all six San Antonio/New Braunfels donor rooms.

“An increase in surgeries and transplants seems to be driving a higher demand,” said Adrienne Mendoza, Vice President, Blood Operations at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, a subsidiary of San Antonio nonprofit BioBridge Global. “We are aware of at least eight liver transplant procedures just this week. Several of those patients needed more than 50 units of blood each.

“Although the community has responded to our call for donations, we’re concerned that blood won’t be available to meet the increased level of demand, especially if there is a drop in collections this weekend,” Mendoza added. “Surgery, and especially transplants, can’t go forward without the hospital having sufficient blood on hand.”

There also is a significant need for donations for those undergoing cancer treatments. Cancer patients receive the largest percentage of blood transfusions year in and year out, and those transfusions are at risk because of the ongoing shortage.

Hospitals also need to have blood on hand for emergency trauma cases, from auto accidents to cases of childbirth complications.

A special thank-you for giving the gift of life

As an extra thank-you for those who take the time to give blood, donors will receive double rewards this month and can choose two $10 eGift cards from 100+ retailers.

Donors can make an appointment with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center by calling 210-731-5590 or visiting SouthTexasBlood.org. Same-day appointments are available at the center’s seven donor rooms in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Victoria, as well as at community blood drives.

The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center has added appointment slots as it works to build the blood supply. Anyone who already has an appointment is asked to keep it or contact the center to reschedule and open space for another donor.

Amy

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

KSAT 12 story on Antonian High School blood drive in honor of Amy

Amy is a happy, energetic 2-year-old who loves Disney princesses and putting on makeup. She also likes helping others.

“I couldn’t ask for a kid that loves to help out more,” said Ryan, Amy’s father. “She loves to help wash dishes. Even the parts of your life that aren’t necessarily fun, she just wants to be involved. I really couldn’t ask for a kid with a bigger heart.”

Now, Amy needs help from the community. In early 2021, during her brother’s annual medical checkup, Amy’s mom asked the doctor to take a look at Amy’s rash.

A few days before, Amy had a slight fever and developed a rash that was enough to draw her mother’s attention.

The doctor’s office quickly did blood work. The doctor came back with news that Amy’s mom had just saved her daughter’s life.

Amy had leukemia and very low blood counts. Her mom was told to go home, get things situated, pack a bag and head to the emergency room as they’d likely be at the hospital for 10 days for treatment.

Since then, Amy has needed several blood transfusions, in addition to chemotherapy and other medications.

“As a typical civilian, I think there’s an inclination that there’s some big endless supply of blood, that hospitals don’t run out,” said Ryan. “That’s simply not the case. We’ve seen a slight bit of that and it’s enough to frighten us. What if it took eight hours? Eight days? What would that look like? It’s frightening, especially when every patient’s situation is so unique and different, and a lot of it is life-threatening.”

Amy’s family encourages the community to donate blood for her and patients like her. If you would like to schedule a blood donation, visit SouthTexasBlood.org.

Community leaders collaborate to change the odds for patients in need

Posted on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

Community encouraged to diversify marrow registry, improve odds for blood cancer and blood disease patients

City Council District 2 and VelocityTX Innovation Center are hosting a blood and marrow registry drive on March 31 at the Merchant’s Ice Complex on East Houston Street to help patients in need of a marrow or stem cell transplant. The drives originally were planned in February, in honor of Black History Month, but were postponed because of the severe winter weather.

“A blood or stem cell transplant is the best hope for thousands of patients fighting blood cancers and blood disorders, like sickle cell anemia, including patients in our community,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “These patients are more likely to find a matching donor from their own ethnic background. They need our help to increase their chances of finding a match.”

Marrow registry drives will also be hosted by Northside Independent School District on March 27 at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex and Paul Taylor Field House. The events at NISD will be in a drive-through format, allowing people to socially distance and sign up in the comfort of their vehicle.

Saturday, March 27 at Dub Farris Athletic Complex parking lot (8400 North Loop 1604 W), from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, March 27 at Paul Taylor Field House/Hardin Athletic Complex Gustafson parking lot (7001 Culebra Rd.), from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31 at VelocityTX Innovation Center (at the Merchant’s Ice complex, 1305 E. Houston St.), from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Being a part of the bone marrow registry is as easy as a swab of the cheek,” said District 2 councilmember Jada Andrews-Sullivan. “Please join us on March 31 at VelocityTX to register for the bone marrow registry.”

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, a subsidiary of nonprofit BioBridge Global, and Be the Match are conducting the drives to raise awareness about the need for minority groups, like African Americans and Hispanics, to join the marrow registry.

For patients like Kami and Kyra Crawford, a marrow or stem cell transplant can be the potential cure to their daily fight with sickle cell anemia, a chronic blood disorder that causes severe pain and fatigue. The odds of finding a match are low—African American patients have only a 23% chance of finding the match they need to help cure their blood cancer or blood disorder.

While the sisters are looking at several treatment options in the hopes of living normal lives, they continue encouraging others to join the marrow registry in honor of other sickle cell patients.

For patients fighting blood cancers and blood disorders, a marrow or stem cell transplant is often a last hope for a cure. In order to receive a transplant, patients must find a matching donor—someone with the same genetic markers of the immune system, which is inherited from one’s ethnic or racial background. African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups are underrepresented on the registry, meaning those patients have a lower chance of finding their match.

“Northside is excited and proud to continue our partnership with South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and now to be part of the Be The Match marrow registry,” said Don Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent for Student, Family and Community Services at NISD. “We can all make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

“Every donation made on March 31 will increase the odds and help save lives for our friends and neighbors most at risk,” said Rene Dominguez, President and COO at Texas Research & Technology Foundation. “We are urging any eligible donor to support this community effort by scheduling a blood drive appointment online or join the marrow registry.”

For more information about the drives and how to join the registry, visit SouthTexasBlood.org/Swab.

Q and A: Getting the vaccine doesn’t prevent you from giving blood

Posted on March 15, 2021March 23, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

Q and A about blood donation and the COVID-19 vaccine with Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, Associate Medical Director, South Texas Blood &Tissue Center:

Am I eligible to give blood or platelets after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes you are, according to guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as long as you are feeling well and meet the other donor eligibility requirements. Also, the site of your vaccination(s) must be fully healed.

Does this apply to all three currently available vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson)?

Yes it does. All the currently approved vaccines in this country are a new type that allows you to give blood as soon as you feel OK after your vaccination.

Am I eligible to give if I only have received the first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine?

Yes you are.

Does donating blood after receiving the vaccine reduce my protection against the virus?

No it doesn’t. There is no evidence to suggest blood donation following any type of vaccination reduces the protection.

Can I donate blood if I haven’t received the vaccine?

Yes, but we’re asking you to postpone your donation for 14 days following a diagnosis of COVID-19, a positive test for an infection or any symptoms.

Visit SouthTexasBlood.org to schedule your donation today.

Thank you, South Texas

Posted on March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 by Emmanuel Lucio

You saved countless lives by donating blood.

It wasn’t easy. You turned out during a pandemic. Throughout the holidays. Following the winter storm of a lifetime.

You rolled up your sleeves and you gave. And thanks to you, across South Texas, patients received lifesaving blood to survive traumatic injury and support their fight against disease.

Special thanks to our elected officials, community leaders, businesses, schools, churches and countless others who promoted donations and sponsored drives during some of the most difficult of times.

Patients across South Texas still need your support.

The need continues to grow. Please give blood or host a blood drive, and spread the word.

Call 210-731-5590 or visit SouthTexasBlood.org/Donate.