News Release - October 27, 2011

Contact:
Dianna Hemphill
(303) 361.2873
Dianna_Hemphill@bonfils.org

Community Lifelines Program Unites Blood Recipient with LifeSaving Donors
Bonfils Blood Center Celebrates 13th Annual Event

DENVER (Oct. 27, 2011) – Bonfils Blood Center is giving a local woman a unique gift, the opportunity to meet fellow Coloradoans who helped to save her life.  On November 2 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Dallas Armstrong will meet her blood donors.

In 2010, Dallas was admitted to Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette after a period of feeling uncharacteristically weak and tired. There she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that required frequent plasma exchanges and several transfusions of red blood cells totaling nearly 700 units of blood given throughout her treatment. Thanks to a readily available community blood supply and expert medical care, Dallas is doing well and looking forward to meeting those who helped save her life.

“Community Lifelines is a one of a kind event in that we’re able to bring together a recipient with his or her donors,” says Vice President of Marketing and Community Operations, Jessica Maitland. “It’s rare for a donor to ever meet the person who actually benefited from their donation and in Dallas’ case, hundreds of selfless individuals contributed to her well-being. This event is special to us at Bonfils because it allows us to personify what we do on a daily basis.”

Guests at the event will hear from Dallas, CEO/President of Bonfils Blood Center Tom Puckett and CEO of Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center Dave Hamm.

Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center began its relationship with Bonfils Blood Center in December of 2004. Today, Bonfils provides roughly 5,700 units of blood annually to the medical facility.

For nearly 70 years, Bonfils Blood Center has successfully managed the community blood supply and played an integral role in Colorado’s healthcare system. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to nearly 200 healthcare facilities to support patients in our community and beyond. For information about Bonfils Blood Center please call 303.366.2000 or visit www.bonfils.org or look for us on Facebook and Twitter.