LA QUINTA—Antonio Tapia of Indio will be honored as a 100-plus gallon blood donor to LifeStream Blood Bank, the exclusive provider of blood products and services to all Coachella Valley hospitals.

Tapia will be celebrated on Sunday, April 7 at LifeStream’s 36th Annual Gift of Life Tribute, 10-Gallon Donor Celebration at the Riverside Convention Center.

Doors open at 11 a.m.; luncheon is at 12:30 p.m.; the program and awards ceremony commence at 1 p.m. For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

This year’s event theme, “Your greatness is not what you have, but in what you give” describes the commitment Tapia has made to LifeStream and the Coachella Valley.

“We’re looking forward to a wonderful event and to honoring the ‘best of the best’ in our community and region, including Antonio and other selfless, dedicated Coachella Valley blood donors” Dr. Rick Axelrod, MD, LifeStream’s president, CEO and medical director, said in a prepared statement.

Tapia makes bi-weekly, platelets donations Sunday mornings at LifeStream’s La Quinta Donor Center, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive. Tapia, 70, has donated 103 gallons of blood; he is the only Coachella Valley resident to date to reach the triple-digit plateau.

He has been donating blood for “about 50 years.” In addition to his long-time service of giving blood, Tapia, a 55-year Indio resident, also served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

The Gift of Life Tribute luncheon and awards ceremony honors those who have donated 10 gallons of blood or more in their lifetimes. There are more than 1,000 attendees expected including dozens of 50-plus gallon blood donors and 20, 100-gallon donors.

Including the Coachella Valley, LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 hospitals and medical facilities in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial counties.

LifeStream continuously needs blood donations to ensure an adequate blood supply at all times throughout its Southern California services areas. All blood types and donation types are needed; every donation can assist multiple patients.

Walk-ins are welcome seven days per week at LifeStream’s La Quinta Donor Center, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive, or at local mobile drives. For more information, hours and locations, or to set an appointment, please call 800-879-4484 or click here.

 

Photo Caption: 100-plus gallon blood donor Antonio Tapia, LifeStream’s President/CEO Dr. Rick Axelrod, and Antonio’s wife, Irene Tapia

 

Image Sources

  • Antonio Tapia: LifeStream Blood