Oklahoma Sisters Remembered By OBI As Committed Blood Donors

Two sisters who died of COVID-19 have been recognized by the Oklahoma Blood Institute for their life-saving blood donations over the years.

“We become close to our patients and we say they become family, it affects us like their family members, and we truly care for them" said Ashley Travis with OBI.

Between the two of them, Josene Vaughan and Sarah Kemble donated about 75 times. OBI had recognized them for their gift, but recognition wasn’t their motivation, according to their mother, Tena Glass.

“And it wasn't pat me on the back, and look what I did, it was part of a natural thank you,” Glass said.

Vaughan had a life-saving transfusion during surgery, and Kemble shared her gratitude for the donors that helped.

OBI was especially grateful for Vaughan and Kemble because they were universal donors with O negative blood.

COVID-19 hit the family hard. Vaughan died in January, Kemble last November, and an uncle died too, all before the vaccine was available.

Their family is encouraging people to donate blood, in their memory.