Our Blood Institute is helping bring the national documentary Miles of Kindness to communities across Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle as filmmakers travel historic Route 66 to highlight the lifesaving impact of blood donation and share stories from donors, recipients, families and healthcare communities.
The documentary follows longtime friends Lori Talbot and Marie Forrestal as they travel Route 66 during its centennial year in a retired ambulance named “Rosie the Rescuer.” Throughout the journey, the pair is collecting stories from blood donors, patients, survivors, caregivers and communities across America to showcase how blood donations help save lives.
Produced by Oklahoma-based Matt Payne Media, Miles of Kindness also highlights Talbot and Forrestal’s mission to encourage a new generation of blood donors through a nationwide movement. The documentary team hopes to inspire 2,500 blood donations during the Route 66 journey.
As the nonprofit blood center serving Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas and the Texas Panhandle, Our Blood Institute is helping connect filmmakers with local donors, patients and families whose experiences demonstrate the importance of maintaining a strong and dependable blood supply.
“At Our Blood Institute, we have the privilege of seeing firsthand how one blood donation can change, or even save, a life,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “Miles of Kindness gives those stories a voice. We’re honored to help showcase the incredible generosity of blood donors and the patients whose lives depend on them, while inspiring more people to become part of that story.”
Documentary Stops Across Oklahoma and Texas Highlight Blood Donation Impact
The Miles of Kindness documentary team will make three stops throughout the Our Blood Institute service area, with each location focusing on different aspects of blood donation, patient experiences and transfusion medicine.
The Tulsa stop, scheduled for July 10-11, will feature the story of a young firefighter whose final wish was to spend his last days at home with his family. Through conversations with loved ones, the documentary will explore the challenges surrounding hospice care, blood transfusions and quality of life while highlighting the difficult decisions families often face during serious illness.
The Oklahoma City stop on July 13 will take place alongside a community blood drive, showcasing the generosity of local donors and the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable blood supply. The segment will also examine how healthcare leaders, advocates and policymakers can work together to strengthen awareness about the continued need for blood donations and help ensure blood remains available for patients every day.
The Amarillo stop on July 14 will feature the story of a young woman whose life was saved after a devastating car crash that required an extraordinary amount of donated blood. Her story highlights how trauma patients often depend on the generosity of multiple blood donors, along with the coordinated efforts of first responders, flight crews and healthcare teams. The filmmakers will also visit Cadillac Ranch to encourage blood donation awareness along one of Route 66’s most iconic landmarks.
Community Members Encouraged to Donate Blood
Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule appointments at an Our Blood Institute donor center or mobile blood drive. Donors should enter the promo code MOK when scheduling their appointment.
Donation requirements include that 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission. Seventeen-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, while individuals aged 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds. A photo ID is required for all donors.
Miles of Kindness Documentary Continues Route 66 Journey
The Miles of Kindness documentary will travel historic Route 66 over 12 days, sharing stories that highlight the impact of blood donation in communities across America.
The journey began on July 7, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, before continuing through St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Winslow, Arizona; San Bernardino, California; and Santa Monica, California.
Through the documentary journey, Our Blood Institute and the Miles of Kindness team aim to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and inspire more people to support efforts that help patients and families in need.
