22nd Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center celebrated the life-saving contributions of its faith-based Commit for Life groups Thursday, May 2, at the 22nd annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast.

In 2012, The Blood Center collected 33,814 products at 1,158 church blood drives. More than 60 groups were represented at the event, held at the Downtown Aquarium.

Cynthia Cisneros of KTRK ABC-13 served as emcee, the Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir provided entertainment and the Lee High School JROTC performed the posting of the colors.

John Gartrell, whose son Cooper received blood throughout his treatment for leukemia, shared his inspirational story and led a prayer for the children.

Prayers for different groups in need were offered by the following faith and community leaders:
- Norma Cooper - Trinity Episcopal Church
- Heather Rankel - Champion Life Center
- Joyce Kahleh - Lakewood Church
- Chaplain Monty Montgomery - Houston Police Department
- Dodie Osteen - Lakewood Church
- Cynthia Paige - CRM City Fellowship Church