John Burroughs High School in Burbank will host its second blood drive, in conjuntion with Children's Hospital, on Thursday, Aug. 21, to support former student Brittney Edwards, from the class of 2006, in her battle against brain cancer and for children stricken with Sickle Cell Anemia.

The drive will be on the school campus at 1920 W. Clark St., Burbank.

Recently, Children's Hospital let us know that there was an unusual and positive result from the first blood drive for Brittney that was held in the spring at John Burroughs.

Besides providing ample blood for Brittney, there was a significantly higher than usual incidence of "markers" that let the blood gathered be used for infants and children with Sickle Cell Anemia.

There is always a need for blood for this disease, but this summer in particular, has found Children's Hospital in dire need for blood donations.

The first blood drive was organized for Brittney in the last spring as her treatment left her in need of blood transfusions. Brittney is a 2006 graduate of John Burroughs, where she was a member of Powerhouse Choir in the Vocal Music Association.

She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor a little over a year ago. She has undergone successful surgery for its' removal and then radiation therapy.

She is currently nearing the end of her chemotherapy treatment, and the drive began as she developed a need for blood transfusions.

Again, the administration and staff of John Burroughs High School stepped up to the plate when they heard about the need for this blood drive and are providing the on-campus location, tables, chairs and most likely, as in the first drive, their own blood.

Many staff members and students donated in the first drive.

Children's Hospital of Los Angeles will be sending out its mobile, self-contained donor bus called "The Maxmobile" and staff members to conduct the drive.


Donors should enter the school by the baseball field on Keystone Street, between Clark St. and Verdugo Ave. The blood drive will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to anyone age 16 and above who meets the blood donor qualifications. The mobile donor bus can accommodate 16 donors per hour.

Brittney and so many other children in our community need your help this summer. Please try to find time to come by and make this a successful blood drive.

Caring donors can reserve a time slot by e-mailing Connie Trimble at cbtcooks@aol.com or they can call and leave a message at 818-846-2463.

Maybe your blood can make the difference for Brittney, or maybe it will be a gift to another child with Sickle Cell Anemia or to an infant battling a life-threatening disease.

And if not on this exact day, donate regularly, wherever you can, to benefit anyone who needs blood. Give the gift of life - donate blood.