News Release October 14, 2005

Bone Marrow Recipient and Donor to Meet at Bonfils Blood Center Annual Appreciation Reception
Outstanding donors and volunteers to be recognized Nov. 3

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (October 18, 2005) - Each year Bonfils Blood Center recognizes its blood donors, volunteers and community partners for their contributions to the Colorado community and the blood center. This year, Bonfils is delighted to add a bone marrow recipient and donor introduction to the event. Bonfils Blood Center’s appreciation reception will be held in the club level of INVESCO Field at Mile High on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m., in conjunction with National Marrow Awareness Month.

Over the last 16 years Bonfils’ Colorado Marrow Donor Program (CMDP) has added more than 65,000 donors to the national marrow registry. So far this year, the CMDP had facilitated 26 marrow donor matches for patients in need. Dr. Bill Ranier of Cortez, Colo., the featured speaker at the reception, knows first-hand the importance that national marrow donor registry. Ranier was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2002 and received a marrow transplant the following May. Now, for the first time, Ranier will meet the man who helped save his life - his marrow donor, Neil Estes of Greenville, S.C.

"I joined the national marrow registry 10 years ago after having donated blood and platelets for 20 years," said Estes. "I am so thankful that I was able to help Bill and I’m extremely excited to finally meet him. He’s a great guy with an amazing story."

Seven special awards will be given to those that have shown exemplary commitment to the mission and vision of Bonfils Blood Center.

Bonfils Blood Center Foundation Leadership Award
Dr. Ben Galloway Community Partner Award
Outstanding Blood Drive Growth
Outstanding College Blood Drive
Volunteer Blood Drive Liaisons of the Year
Volunteers of the Year
Youth Service Award

Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 115 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 363-2300.