Blood Donors Give Back On 4th Of July

For some, Independence Day is the perfect day to give back.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports the American Red Cross says summer's the slowest time of the year for blood donations.  But, some took the time on their day off to donate.

Giving blood is no big deal for Cindy Rutledge.  She's been doing it for a decade.  But, this past year it took on a new meaning.

"He can't walk.  He can't eat.  He's been throwing up for three weeks. Six foot frame and he probably weights about 130," said Cindy Rutledge.

She's talking about her 23-year-old son, Paul.  He has stage four melanoma and has faced six months of chemotherapy.

"A lot of time the chemotherapy leaves them so wiped out, all they can do is sleep. They can't function. They can't walk or anything. So, the platelet donation gives them definitely the ability to have a semi-normal life," said Cindy Rutledge.

And, on Independence Day, the Tulsa Red Cross is crowded.

"We're very pleased that Tulsans have remembered to come donate blood.  What better way to celebrate our nation's holiday than to come give blood to save somebody else?" said Jan Hale with the Red Cross.

Dozens of people used this holiday to give back.  A little needle amounts to a lot of help.

"When you hear the statistic that one in three people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime, if you're a family of four, you can do the simple math yourself," said Jan Hale with the Red Cross.

"I think we all probably know someone that's been in an accident or that's been in need, and it's just great to be able to help out," said Diane Mitchell.

Diane Mitchell stopped by the Red Cross after a 4^th of July parade.

"They treat you to juice and cookies when you're done, so to us, it's a great way to spend the holidays," said Diane Mitchell.

Rutledge says if she can do it, anybody can.  And, she says helping those in need is the American way.