Friends of Burbank student Brittney Edwards are organizing a blood drive on Thursday, March 6, at John Burroughs High School, 1920 W. Clark St., Burbank.

Brittney is a 2006 graduate of John Burroughs, where she was a member of Powerhouse Choir in the Vocal Music Association. She is currently a student at Chapman University (on medical leave), studying film.

She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor less than a year ago. She has undergone successful surgery for it's' removal and then radiation therapy. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, as a preventative measure, but has developed a need for blood transfusions.

While many have answered the call for blood by going down to Children's Hospital, for some it has been difficult to get over to Hollywood.

This blood drive began as a way for more blood to be collected, as she needs it, throughout her treatment.

The blood drive has the support of the administration and staff at John Burroughs High School. When asked, they stepped right up with an on-campus location for the drive to be held as well as tables and chairs.

It is never easy to add an event to the school calendar of a very busy high school. John Burroughs never hesitated in helping to make this event happen.

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.

The blood drive will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to anyone age 17 and above who meets the blood donor qualifications.

Donors who are not current JBHS students or faculty should enter the school by the baseball field on Keystone Street, between Clark St. and Verdugo Ave. This is where the "Maxmobile" will be set up.

The mobile donor bus can accommodate 16 donors per hour. Last weekend, at the 29th annual Pop Show, about half the donation time slots were taken by audience members.

Brittney needs help from her community to 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.

When cancer strikes, especially in someone so young, we can be left with a feeling of helplessness. This is an opportunity to actually do something with direct benefit for a special young lady in need.

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.