Oliver Family's Third Annual Blood Drive Brings Hope and Healing

Kristin Oliver always wanted to make a difference.

Whether it was buying coats for a mother who couldn’t afford them for her three children or donating blood for a young boy in the community who was diagnosed with leukemia, Kristin was always looking to help others, said her mother Pam Oliver.

When Kristin was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the heart, cardiac sarcoma at the age of 29, Oliver said that she assured her daughter during her fight against that disease that “your life is going to make a difference.”

Kristin died two years after her diagnosis in June 2020 at the age of 31.

This weekend, Pam and her husband, Kelvin Oliver, will continue to honor the promise to their daughter that her life would make a difference by holding a blood drive that they established in 2021.

“This is something Kristin would do,” Pam Oliver said. “She can still save someone’s life. She is our little light that continues to shine on in our hearts.”

Pam Oliver said she learned a lot about blood supplies during Kristin’s journey with cancer. Under high-intensity chemotherapy, Kristin’s bone marrow cells were damaged and she needed regular blood transfusions.

Her daughter’s experience opened her eyes to the fact that blood donations are needed not only during major disasters, but are also essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Someone needs blood every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross.

“There’s a need, and a lot of people don’t understand that,” Oliver said. “It’s always needed. You just never know when the need might come. There is a demand, and not just when there is a shortage.”

Oliver also learned how important blood donations from people of color can be for her community. While “blood is blood” in a pinch, Oliver said she found out patients experience the best outcomes when they receive donations from people of similar ethnic backgrounds. All of that led to the idea for blood drive.

“We need a diverse supply,” Oliver said. “We just want to help our community and encourage people of color to be part of the process on a regular basis.”

Over the past few years, Oliver said the blood drive has “evolved.”

“We want to educate, engage and encourage our communities to make a difference by the simple act of giving back,” Oliver said.

In addition to collecting blood donations, the family is also asking people to bring nonperishable food donations to help The Center for Food Equity in Medicine. The Center, based in Flossmoor, provides nutritious food for people facing health challenges, such as cancer, in the Chicago area.

Kristin remains -- posthumously -- a member of the organization’s board of directors. Donations of diapers or baby items will also be collected at the drive to support the Franciscan Health Foundation Birthing Center. Last year, the Kristin Arielle Oliver Memorial Charities hosted “Light the Night,” a community event to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention and provide support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The Olivers also have established a scholarship fund and plan to give scholarships to students at Kristin’s alma maters of Tennessee State University and Rich Township High School 227. Students from Rich Township High School also plan on volunteering for the blood drive.

The blood drive will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, April 22, and from 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at Sgt. Means Park, 20712 Western Ave., Olympia Fields. Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance by calling 1-800-7TO-GIVE.

Donors must be in generally good health and feeling well at the time of donation, as well as weigh more than 110 pounds.

BACKGROUND

Third Annual Kristin Arielle Oliver Memorial Blood Drive
The Oliver Family established the Kristin Arielle Oliver Memorial Blood Drive in honor of their daughter who died of a rare heart cancer. During her illness, Kristin required blood transfusions. The family hopes to save lives through an annual blood drive the blood drive.
· Versiti Blood Centers will be collecting blood from donors
· Donations for the Center for Food Equity, an organization that provides healthy food for cancer and other patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, will be collected.
· Donations will also be accepted for the Franciscan Health Foundation Birthing Center.
· Franciscan Health Foundation will raffle health scans.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. -2:45 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Sgt. Means Park, 20712 Western Ave., Olympia Fields, Illinois