Best Friends Cruise Route 66 for a Cause, Raising Awareness About the Need for Blood Donors

Two best friends decided to share information about blood donation through a very creative idea. They bought an old ambulance, plastered their faces on it, and drove on Route 66 to raise awareness of a nationwide blood shortage. And they had a blast doing it. 

Best Friends Share About Blood Donation by Driving an Ambulance Down Route 66

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“I want to drive Route 66 talking about kindness through blood donation and what friend is crazy enough that would want to do it,” said one of the friends, Marie Forrestal.

Her best friend, Lori Talbot, lost her husband to cancer a few years ago. Blood donations helped improve his care and quality of life, and her daughter also needed transfusions when she was born. Marie is a cancer survivor herself. 

“Miles of Kindness” Raises Awareness

They call their mission “Miles of Kindness.” Marie says that only 2% of the nation’s ambulances carry blood. Up to 10,000 people die every year because they don’t get a transfusion soon enough. She believes the number would be much, much lower if more people donated.

Because of the shortage, there aren’t enough young people or people of color donating. Their website notes that over the last few years, donations from people under 30 have decreased by 50%. 

“Only 30 minutes of somebody’s time can save so many lives with one pint of blood. It’s definitely worth it to make time to go out there,” said one donor, Becky Rey.

A Documentary Will Be Made About the Cause

The two women hope to create a movement that will have a significant impact in America. Matt Payne Media has filmed them as they’ve traveled, hoping to make a documentary about their cause. 

“This project is about reminding people how powerful kindness can be and showing the real lives impacted every day by blood donors. It’s personal for Lori and I,” said Marie. 

Saving lives is so important. What these women are doing is very admirable. Hopefully, they are able to get enough attention to have a serious impact. 

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“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

WATCH: Best Friends Cruise Route 66 for a Cause, Raising Awareness About the Need for Blood Donors 

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.