Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Day
Mayor Sylvester Turner dedicated September 28, 2021, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Day in Houston. Lily Gribble, 15, is battling a rare form of leukemia and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She continues to get blood and platelet transfusions to help her live.
Lily’s father, Mark, and Mike Norman, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center CFL Program Supervisor, attended the city council meeting via Zoom as Council Member Abbie Kamin spoke on behalf of the Gribble family.
“In honor of September’s Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to honor this extraordinary family and the work they have done,” said Kamin. “Not only to fight for Lily but to bring awareness to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, which in turn is saving the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of other Houstonians.”
Platelets make up less than 1% of our blood, and donating your platelets helps many people survive. The delicate blood component is crucial for healing many patients, especially cancer patients. Platelets only have a five-day shelf life. That’s why the community needs consistent platelet donors. You’re able to donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Take some time and be a hero to your community and help save lives.
Kamin wanted to publicly honor Lily because of her story.
“Lily actually insisted that we honor Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and this is just one example for her continue to put causes for others above herself,” said Kamin.