John

Recipient

John O’Hara is a local news personality, but not one you’d recognize from television.  He has his own web-based, community driven news program called DIYnews.org.  On this program, he covers area events like Feed the Need, Meals on Wheels and blood drives.  While covering one of our blood drives in Olathe, John became reacquainted with CBC.

In August of 1995, John was involved in a home explosion which left him with burns on over 90% of his body.  After his older brother Mike pulled him from the burning house, fire fighters and EMT kept him alive while he was transported to KU Medical Center for treatment.  It was at the hospital that John first became acquainted with Community Blood Center, when he needed multiple blood transfusions to recover from his burns. 

“The Fire Fighters and EMT kept me alive initially, but without the blood transfusions, I wouldn’t be alive today and wouldn’t have the wonderful family I do now.” 

Since John has experienced first-hand how important donating blood can be, he’s now made it his mission to educate the members of his community on the benefits of being a blood donor.  The message he sends to all his viewers is, “be a hero, save a life with the simple act of donating blood.” 

To see John’s footage of CBC’s Battle for Blood and other area blood drives, visit www.dyinews.org

Please share your experience as a blood donor or transfusion recipient.