Building Connections
TO SAVE LIVES Since 1973
6211 Interstate 10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78201
A special section from
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OF BIOBRIDGE GLOBAL
WELCOME TO BIOBRIDGE GLOBAL For many, the name BioBridge Global may be unfamiliar. That’s not particularly surprising since it was only adopted in 2013. However, as we introduce in the following pages the various entities that make up this incredible organization, I feel certain that many of you will recognize – and perhaps even have contributed to and/or benefited from – the health-related services and products we offer.
In our pioneering and still-evolving 40-year history, BioBridge Global, a nonprofit organization, today comprises closely related but independently functioning nonprofit units – the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, QualTex Laboratories and GenCure, as well as the charitable Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. They’re supported by more than 700 dedicated employees working in our state-of-the-art facilities in San Antonio and Victoria, Texas, and Norcross, Ga., and they remain deeply committed to the wellbeing of patients in San Antonio and beyond – a responsibility we don’t take lightly. Research is a vital component of our work. From stem cell therapies to osteobiological products developed and manufactured on site, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of the biotechnology and regenerative medicine fields. We’re proud to have helped bring the 10th annual World Stem Cell Summit to San Antonio to showcase the city as a major player in this arena. With the help of the city, mayor and other dignitaries and organizations instrumental in landing the event, we’re forming invaluable partnerships in the international community of stem cell and other medical research. This important work not only will keep our organization advancing toward the future but will benefit our patients, who are at the heart of what we do. We hope you’ll come to understand our mission, which wouldn’t be possible without the assistance and generosity of you, the public. We count on your donations to help us deliver lifesaving services. We are humbled and honored to be part of your decision to donate – blood, cord blood, marrow, tissue, funds – to help those ill or injured. Together, BioBridge Global, its subsidiaries and you can positively impact the lives of thousands. Thank you for allowing us to share our story! Linda Myers CEO
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OUR
HISTORY
Making a world of difference for 40 years From its humble beginnings in a small leased space in downtown San Antonio to the sprawling, technologically state-of-the-art Alamo City facility BioBridge Global now calls home, this internationally respected institution continues to build on a 40-year legacy. It’s meeting an ever-evolving variety of challenges, all geared to the betterment of humanity – locally and, as the name states, across the globe. Developed initially from necessity, then nurtured and grown through extraordinary vision, BioBridge Global persists in fulfilling its mission to bridge critical medical requirements with innovative solutions, a role it’s uniquely positioned to fill. BioBridge Global has emerged as a composite of distinct but related subsidiaries functioning separately but interlocked, each dependent on the other to offer lifesaving services worldwide. Each facet is a natural fit, jointly contributing to success in the realm of modern medical therapies and research. IN THE BEGINNING In 1974, a group of forward-thinking doctors, with the support of the Bexar County Medical Society, recognized the need for the establishment of a blood collection center dedicated to serving area hospitals. At this time, the surrounding medical community was reliant on hospitals’ individually collected supplies, often working with limited in-house facilities. The supplies could be inadequate, and acquiring from outside sources often was difficult. A dedicated entity was required where greater supply could be generated, quality controls enhanced and inventories made rapidly available – hence the creation of the South Texas Regional Blood Bank. In its first year, the new enterprise drew 25,000 blood components utilized by local and regional medical providers and the patients they served. With the success of that first year, growth was inevitable. By 1976, larger accommodations were required. After two more moves, the blood bank settled in 1994 into its current space at 6211 Interstate 10 in North Central San Antonio and renamed itself, due to expanded capabilities, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. BUILT TO MEET THE FUTURE In the ensuing years, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center broadened its mission to include additional tissue procurement and processing; biologic testing services for other entities worldwide; marrow, stem cell and cord blood collection and research; and groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine. Read on, and you’ll see how the little blood bank from South Texas has evolved into an international player called BioBridge Global, the umbrella for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, QualTex Laboratories, GenCure – created to hold the Tissue Center, Cellular Therapy Center and Cord Blood Center – and the vital work of The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. As the story about its beginnings and where it proudly stands today unfolds, you’re invited to share in its belief that tomorrow offers additional promises in which BioBridge Global can benefit communities in South Texas, the United States and beyond.
THE SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER Providing the essential link The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, BioBridge Global’s founding subsidiary, has been providing the lifesaving benefit of donated blood and transfusion services to thousands of area patients since 1974.Throughout its four-decade commitment to San Antonio and the South Texas communities, the STBTC remains an essential link in providing quality health care. UNIQUE IN ITS FIELD For many, the services and products provided by STBTC may never be needed;
however, in times of illness or injury, its work is obvious. The need for blood components is varied and vital for those facing surgery and certain other treatments. Examples include organ transplantation, hip and knee replacement, lung and heart surgeries and many other procedures where blood replacement is critical. Oncology, dialysis and anemia patients are often recipients as well. And, of course, those who are subjected to physical trauma may require transfusions. Fulfilling a need identified years earlier for the establishment of a locally based organiA SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
KABB TV meteorologist Shaun Steven reports from a recent blood drive – and donates blood, too.
zation dedicated solely to the collection and dispersal of blood and tissue products, STBTC has risen to the challenges inherent in a demanding business model. This model relies on precise evaluation and delicate handling of blood while ensuring it gets to patients exactly when needed. Besides a few exceptions generating at least a portion of their own blood supply for patients, regional hospitals and clinics in the South Texas area rely on STBTC for their blood inventories. But the center also supplies other facilities, such as dialysis centers
and emergency clinics. In South Texas, it is unique. For most, there is no other provider. Under the auspices of the Bexar County Medical Society, STBTC was originally located in modest downtown San Antonio accommodations. Initially, STBTC was able to draw and process an impressive 25,000 units of much-needed blood from those first generous volunteer donors. Today, the numbers have soared to 149,000 red blood cell units and 27,000 platelet units, collected during more than 150,000 donation events from selfless volunteer blood donors. A SIMPLE CONCEPT Operationally, the STBTC’s service plan seems simple – appeal to those willing to donate, collect blood and platelets, test it, package it and deliver it. In reality, the processes are much more complicated. Thanks to community awareness programs and extensive corporate support (see The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation’s section), volunteer donors age 16 to 70-plus are recruited from a variety of areas. Many are repeat donors and donate at mobile sites as well as several permanent “satellite” centers, making the process more accessible and convenient. Once within a facility, an experienced and highly trained team of specialized technicians use state-of-the-art collection systems to ensure minimal discomfort and expended time. STBTC maximizes each donation event by employing new efficiency-enhancing technology and manufacturing practices. The donors are the “heroes” and are treated as such. After collection, the blood undergoes a battery of tests (see the QualTex section) to ensure a safe and high-quality product ready for patient use. While the testing is being performed, the blood goes through a variety of manufacturing processes. These processes break down blood into specific components such as red blood cells and various plasma products, the latter including fresh-frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelets. Then the blood
SERVICES SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER PROVIDES Physicianto-physician consulting
Patient blood management expertise
STBTC IS STRICTLY REGULATED BY: FEDERAL DRUG ADMINISTRATION AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD BANKS AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TISSUE BANKS
Continuing education for not only internal staff but also hospital and laboratory personnel
Specialized blood products such as fresh CMV negative platelets and red cells for babies
CLINICAL LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION EUROPEAN UNION HEALTH MINISTRIES
products are labeled and stored temporarily until a hospital order is received, at which time they are packed in validated shipping containers and transported to hospitals and ultimately patients awaiting blood’s lifesaving properties. Nothing remains on the shelf for long.
race and ethnicity age 16 (with parental consent) and above who’s in general good health (more info here southtexasblood.org/donation-process) is welcome to donate. Many lives are touched when just one person makes the decision to donate!
VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONORS People who generously volunteer to donate blood are at the heart of everything STBTC does. In 2013, the center hosted 3,907 drives and performed 85,698 procedures at various mobile sites. Most blood donors give blood more than once a year, and many of them give four or more times a year. Each blood donor provides two to three types of blood products each time they give blood.
When considering today’s South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and its beginnings, it is apparent that STBTC and the San Antonio and South Texas medical community have grown up together. As both continue their journeys toward world-class status through the adoption and creation of new and exciting technologies, they maintain their essential link to each other. Those in need can rest assured that STBTC will continue providing the services and products the public needs while further building on its proud and productive 40-year history. For additional information about the South Texas Blood & Tissue Bank, including donation criteria, visit southtexasblood.org.
Donors are anything but average in their spirit of giving, but they do fit a certain profile: the average male donor is 36 years old, and the average female donor is 34 years old. But anyone of any height,
QUALTEX LABORATORIES Ensuring patient peace of mind through testing With an ever-expanding need for rigorous testing that protects patients – coupled with new abilities thanks to technological breakthroughs – the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center in 2007 established a separate nonprofit entity devoted solely to ensuring the safety and quality of harvested materials via state-of-the-art analysis. Enter QualTex Laboratories, a nonprofit subsidiary of BioBridge Global, which officially opened its doors on the San Antonio STBTC campus in 2007. A natural adjunct to the original center’s core business model
of blood collection had always been extensive internal product testing. Since QualTex’s inception, however, this specialized subsidiary has assumed that vital role and with it all of the responsibility for this key element. Initially testing was only for STBTC but in short order for many other clients locally, nationally and abroad as well. It’s been on a rapid path of growth ever since, which has made QualTex one of the largest nonprofit blood product screening and testing laboratories in the nation. Because of the increasing demand for enhanced, costeffective testing and rapid turnaround A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
times, a second, equally provisioned facility was opened in Norcross, Ga., in 2011. EXCEEDING STANDARDS Responding to the intense regulatory nature of the industry, from the Federal Drug Administration as well as other national and international governing bodies, QualTex is deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of analytic accuracy, often even exceeding those mandated by law. Currently, it is registered and compliant with the FDA and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and subject to the
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). QualTex labs also are subject to rigorous review, especially by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health and other health administrations in the European Union due to collaboration with agencies overseas. Because of this commitment to quality assurance, recipients of QualTex testing reports can be assured of the validity of each analysis, thus ensuring a clean and appropriate product for each patient and, of equal importance, for peace of mind. A THOROUGH ANALYSIS Working out of its two technologically advanced facilities together totaling more than 88,000 square feet of contaminantfree laboratory and research space and staffed by more than 200 highly trained staff, QualTex routinely conducts up to 12 individual tests (or assays) on each submitted sample. The result is a detailed and comprehensive analysis. These tests include basic blood typing and Rh factor determination, but others delve deeper, utilizing more sensitive screening processes seeking antibodies, antigens and viruses. All are geared to indicate the presence of such communicable illnesses as hepatitis, syphilis, HIV and many others. Beyond the basic assays, however, a variety of other blood-directed tests are available via the Immunohematology Reference Lab (IRL). Examples can include searching for the presence of the sickle cell trait or the antibody to cytomegalovirus, which can impair treatment on the immunocompromised. And with the increase in organ transplantation and resulting compatibility issues, QualTex testing can prove to be an invaluable tool in enhancing success between donor and recipient. Beyond blood products, QualTex also has expanded its microbiology lab operations to include contamination testing for various off-site client properties. Through detailed examination, the lab can determine whether contaminants and viral agents are present in work spaces – a very serious concern within the entire health sector.
With its expanding international client base and the resulting demand for its many (and growing) capabilities, QualTex is tasked with conducting an amazing 25 million time-sensitive tests on millions of donated samples each year. The labs proudly maintain exemplary customer-satisfaction ratings. However, paramount to supporting global public safety by offering accurate and timely testing for infectious diseases on blood, plasma and human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) to clients across the world, QualTex leaders see its primary role as simply protecting patients.
QUALTEX BY THE NUMBERS SQUARE FOOTAGE OF LABS
31,000
SA HEADQUARTERS:
57,000 ATLANTA:
NUMBER OF TESTS PER YEAR
5.5 MILLION 25 MILLION
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
180
2007
2014
2007
2014
224
NUMBER OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUDITS PER YEAR
MORE THAN 20
GENCURE TISSUE CENTER, CELLULAR THERAPY CENTER, CORD BLOOD CENTER—Harnessing the potential for health care advancement A natural outgrowth of blood and tissue procurement, testing and distribution was the formation in 2013 of GenCure. As science continues to uncover the incredible healing potential inherent in biomaterials, this nonprofit affiliate of STBTC is positioned to play a vital role in the field of regenerative medicine. By specializing in the state-of-the-art collection, development and processing of a diverse range of components for use in research and therapeutic treatment, GenCure is dedicated to providing groundbreaking solutions for myriad medical needs.
GenCure is structured to have three distinct operations – the Tissue Center, the Cellular Therapy Center and the Cord Blood Center. All have different focuses but support the greater aim of enhancing patients’ lives. Under the umbrella of BioBridge Global, they form a unique combination of resources. “GenCure is participating in a new paradigm in human health with the potential to resolve unmet medical needs by addressing the underlying causes of diseases,” CEO Linda Myers said. “It differs from other fields of A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
medicine in the array of disciplines it brings together and in its ability to create or harness the body’s innate healing capacity.” For an overview, visit gencure.org. THE TISSUE CENTER The Tissue Center recovers musculoskeletal tissue, tendon, skin and vascular and cardiovascular tissue and provides tissue recovery, processing and distribution of tissue allografts for hospitals and clinics. This tissue, respectfully collected from donations of the deceased, has myriad uses as graft material ranging from therapies for burn victims
to the repair of bone trauma, including spinal dysfunctions, restorative implant dentistry and a multitude of orthopedic procedures. The center processes more than 100 types of tissue components and is focused on increasing its product line for use in treatment as well as research settings.
contamination as well as the safety of the tissue, all surgical activity complies with the Current Good Tissue Practices (cGTP) set forth by the Federal Drug Administration. Because of its extensive capabilities, the Tissue Center is fully accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks.
The Tissue Center has been an outgrowth part of the STBTC since 1994 and is considered a full-service organization. After receiving permission from the family of a deceased donor, donations are screened, tissue is surgically removed and, at its technologically specialized facilities, tissue is converted into a variety of usable forms, such as shaped segments of bone and tendon. To ensure patient and staff safety from
The Tissue Center is totally reliant on voluntary donations from many generous individuals who make their wishes known before their deaths and their surviving family members. The center is dedicated to informing the public about donation options and works with alliances within the Donate Life America速 program to help raise awareness about the need for tissue donors. As an additional service, the bereavement program holds
community events and provides educational resources for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and are considering tissue donation. The Tissue Center distributes more than 5,000 life-enhancing grafts to patients and providers across the globe. For more information, visit gencure.org/tissue-center. THE CELLULAR THERAPY CENTER The Cellular Therapy Center focuses on several distinct areas, each involving the collection of key biological products for research and, more importantly, for their compatibility for use with disease-specific treatments. In the areas of dendritic cells (immune cells) and peripheral blood stem
cells, clinical researchers have discovered that collected adult donor stem cells have the ability to aid in the repair of damaged organs. Their use has shown promising results when incorporated into some of the latest treatments for cancer, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and neurological conditions. The Cellular Therapy Center, through its recognized Apheresis Center, currently is serving as an authorized collection site supporting multiple key studies being conducted by some of the most prestigious biomedical firms in the nation. Beyond its stem cell therapy contributions, the Cellular Therapy Center also focuses on searching for and registering marrow donors. Marrow is essential in the treatment of certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, and donors must be screened and analyzed for compatibility, a function the center is uniquely suited to provide. As an adjunct to this service, it also proudly supports the Be The Match Registry®. The center coordinates donor registration and fundraising events and conducts searches that help match potential donors to recipi-
ents and guides donors through their marrow or stem cell donation process. Its efforts have resulted in a database of 219,000 potential donors located in San Antonio and South Texas, with 82 percent of donors from minority groups, which are historically underrepresented in the national registry. For more information, see gencure.org/cellular-therapy. THE CORD BLOOD CENTER In August 2003, STBTC was awarded a grant to establish a donor umbilical cord blood bank, the Texas Cord Blood Bank (TCBB). TCBB, housed on STBTC’s San Antonio campus, is registered with Be The Match Registry®, which assists in connecting patients eligible for cord blood therapy with the help they need. Because cord blood is essential for treating patients and also is used to conduct vital research, the Cord Blood Center later was established and became STBTC’s regenerative medicine research arm for cord blood. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta after a baby is born. Because A SPECIAL SECTION FOR SAN ANTONIO WOMAN
cord blood has been found to be a rich source of stem cells, it can be used as an alternative to marrow to treat many lifethreatening diseases. Traditionally the placenta, cord and blood, a natural byproduct of births and a noncontroversial source of stem cells, are discarded following delivery. By taking a few extra steps, this blood can be collected and stored in the Texas Cord Blood Bank for future use by seriously ill children and adults. Cord blood units ineligible for the public registry are used by the Cord Blood Center for research. Because these cells are normally discarded, this is the ultimate recycling project. TCBB allows all families the opportunity to donate their infants’ cord blood free of charge to help those patients who could benefit from a marrow or stem cell transplant. Cord blood stem cells are used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, blood disorders, aplastic anemia and deficiencies of the immune system. For a current list of participating hospitals, visit our website: www.gencure.org/cord-blood.
THE BIOBRIDGE GLOBAL EMPLOYEE Committed to giving When the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center was first established four decades ago, 12 dedicated employees constituted the entire workforce. Today, more than 700 intensely committed, caring and skilled men and women make up BioBridge Global’s corporate family. Innumerable others willingly participate as volunteers. While the number of employees offers testament to growth and success, what’s more remarkable is that many of these individuals show the same selflessness and spirit of giving evidenced by the donors who make their work possible. Getting and giving support Whether for a new hire or a 30year veteran, professionalism and personal growth are equally encouraged. BioBridge
Global places a premium on quality control, teamwork and personal improvement through education. Respect, integrity and excellence are the organization’s core values. Environmental awareness and the value of and need for community outreach also are characteristics the organization nurtures because it believes in its most important assets: its employees. BioBridge Global strives to create a positive and rewarding work environment for every individual. Opportunities for continuing education are provided throughout the year, as well as seminars, webinars and distinguished speakers. Team-building outside of the work environment also is the standard, as employees have come
BioBridge Global CEO Linda Myers accepts a silver-level Healthy Workplace award from then-San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro in May 2014. BioBridge Global was recognized “for outstanding achievement in the area of employee health and wellness promotion through workplace and wellness initiatives.”
to enjoy annual family events such as holiday parties, Halloween haunted houses, picnics and ice cream socials. And because she herself is a longtime employee, it’s not unusual
BioBridge Global employees pitched in to make the annual Camp Discovery for children with cancer a success. The 2014 camp featured a fairytale theme.
BIOBRIDGE EMPLOYEES PROUDLY SUPPORT THESE ORGANIZATIONS:
United Way Adopt a Park Elf Louise Christmas Project Habitat for Humanity Haven for Hope
Light the Night Primarily Primates SAMM Ministries San Antonio Humane Society Toys for Tots
to see CEO Linda Myers participating in most events. BioBridge Global is proud to have 16 personnel who have devoted one, two and even three decades of service to the organization. Employees continually demonstrate their own sense of duty to those in need in San Antonio, South Texas and elsewhere. Many employees add their names to the lists of blood and marrow donors. Other external activities, events and charitable projects are supported with fundraising, labor and expertise. Major benefactors, among many others, include the United Way as well as San Antonio’s Haven for Hope and Food Bank.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Providing back-to-school supplies for needy children
Jon
Samantha Gerald
OUR DONORS Volunteer everyday heroes give of themselves The work of BioBridge Global wouldn’t be possible without the selflessness of thousands of people who make the decision to be donors. From those who sign up to be called upon as possible marrow matches; to those who give blood, platelets and cord blood; to families who lose loved ones and decide to help others live through donation, BioBridge Global is honored to work with these heroes who help people in the South Texas area and around the world. GERALD PERKINS Gerald, who’s in his late 70s, is one of the top donors at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, where he’s donated more in 25 years than almost anyone in the center’s history. As of July 25, 2014, Gerald had given 111 gallons of lifesaving blood – and continues to roll up his sleeves twice a month. This Korean and Vietnam war veteran started giving blood in 1951 — and he’s never stopped! Countless patients are grateful for his contribution. JON SKOW-CANALES Jon truly has a unique story: He’s been chosen as a marrow match two times for two people, once in 2012 and once in 2013. This is extremely rare. “I was really excited to be chosen twice,” Jon said. “I was glad I could help people in need.” He learned about becoming a marrow donor when the Be The Match program visited his school, the College of Health Care Professions. “They explained the need for donors, so I decided it was important for me to sign up,” said Jon, who’s now a medical assistant at Northeast Methodist Hospital. SAMANTHA UZELL Samantha says it all herself: “I signed up in September 2013. I was on my way to class when I saw the Be The Match tent set up next to a blood drive. Because I don’t weigh enough to donate blood, and there is no weight limit to be a marrow donor, I decided to sign up in hopes of changing a life. When I was called to donate, I was surprised because it had only been five months, but I was excited because I was called to save a life! I would definitely do it again, too.” Be The Match Registry® is a registered service mark of the nonprofit organization National Marrow Donor Program®.
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Deborah
She was diagnosed with breast cancer and received tissue transplants.
Aida
This 6-year-old with acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent blood transfusions and chemotherapy.
Noah
This 4-year-old with leukemia received platelets and red blood cells and is scheduled for a cord blood transplant.
OUR PATIENTS The heart of what we do Everything BioBridge Global employees do every day has one goal: to help patients in the communities we serve. Whether they require blood transfusions, marrow transplants or donated tissue, BioBridge Global stands ready to provide what patients need and to conduct research to find even more solutions. The organization is proud to have these patients be the beneficiaries of its efforts. DEBORAH COLLINS Deborah works at the San Antonio Eye Bank, asking grieving families to generously donate their loved ones’ corneas. Until last year, she never thought she’d be on the other side. Deborah was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013. She began treatment, which included tissue transplants onto her pectoral muscles. Deborah realized she was on the receiving end of donation. “After my surgery, donation took on a whole different color.” Deborah found out that she
had received tissue from not one but two donors. She sent letters of thanks to the families who agreed to donation. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of those generous families.” AIDA CORDEAU Aida was diagnosed late in 2013 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The 6-year-old, who loves dancing and playing with dolls, underwent blood transfusions and chemotherapy. Her mom says she’s currently doing well on her treatment plan and looking forward to first grade. Aida and multitudes of patients like her are the beneficiaries of our blood donors’ generosity. NOAH SANCHEZ Noah was diagnosed at the age of 4 with leukemia. In his battle with the disease, Noah has received platelets and red blood cells. He was scheduled to undergo a cord blood transplant in August, and his family is hopeful the treatment will help him into remission. When women decide to donate the cord blood of their newborns, they’re helping families like Noah’s keep hope alive.
Kim and Dr. Michael Fischer, 2014 Red and White Ball co-chairs.
Rose Marie and Emerson “Buddy” Banack, Jr. 2014 Foundation chairmen.
The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation: Supporting the mission of BioBridge Global The business of BioBridge Global, a nonprofit, and that of its related subsidiaries has always been reliant on the generosity of others — primarily for the selfless donation of blood and tissue products but also for financial support. Quite frankly, without this support, the life-giving work this entity is pledged to fulfill wouldn’t be possible. Thankfully, individuals, groups, and companies continue to be an important part of our mission. To help facilitate this patronage, The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation was established in 2002. The foundation advocates increasing community awareness and developing financial and other resources that support the work of BioBridge Global and its related nonprofit entities. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $9,400,000, all going toward research, educational programs and collection, with special emphasis on the Texas Cord Blood Bank. The foundation’s marquee fundraising event is the Red and White
Ball, which takes place every fall. This festive evening has a serious message, to which our generous contributors earnestly respond: Enable BioBridge Global to continue working to bring lifesaving treatments to those in need by opening their hearts and giving of themselves. The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation is directed by a committed board of volunteers comprising some of South Texas’ most influential and respected community leaders. The invaluable donation of their time and talents helps guide the foundation in raising the funds integral to the work of saving lives. There are many ways to support the programs and services provided by BioBridge Global and its subsidiaries. For more details, please contact the Foundation Development Department staff at (210) 249-4498 or email mary.dial@bloodntissue.org. For additional information on The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation, visit bloodntissuefoundation.org.
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Allison and Danny Kustoff (left) and Laurie and Michael Kaplan, Foundation co-chairs elect 2015.
Beverly and Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, 2014 Red and White Ball co-chairs.
Dr. Kelley and Pat Frost are the 2014 Red and White Ball Chairman’s Award recipients.
BioBridge Global CEO Linda Myers (left) and South Texas Blood & Tissue Center COO and Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Waltman at the 2013 Red and White Ball.