Third Coast Vein

031: Episode Title: Raising Awareness for TARS

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode of Third Coast Vein, I am joined by Bonnie and Miss Marla as we discuss TARS Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radius Syndrome a rare genetic disorder that affects both the bones and the blood. TARS is characterized by the absence of the radius bone in both arms and a significantly low platelet count, often requiring ongoing medical support.

This episode is an opportunity to bring awareness to TARS within our community and to highlight the direct connection to blood donation. Individuals affected by TARS frequently require platelet transfusions sometimes consistently and, in many cases, throughout their lives. We are honored to speak with Emma’s mother, who shares her family’s journey navigating TARS and the critical role that platelet donations have played in Emma’s life. Her story is a powerful reminder of why blood donation matters and how one donation can make a lasting impact.

Join us as we learn more about TARS, hear from our incredible guests, and continue spreading awareness about the lifesaving importance of donating blood.

0030: 13th Annual Hunting For Donors

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:30:00 -0600

WE ARE HUNTING FOR YOU!

Join us for a special episode highlighting our 13th Annual Hunting for Donors event, happening Saturday, November 22nd from 9 am to 5 pm at Cavender's Boot City.

In this episode, our recruiter Hannah Gwosdz sits down with me to talk about all things Hunting for Donors from what you can expect at this year's event tot he current need for blood in our community and so much more exciting news.

Tune in, share, and help us spread the word. Every listener makes a difference.

029: Need For Life Blood Drive

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:30:00 -0600

Our Need For Life Blood Drive is happening this weekend August 23rd at Sam's Club and we could not be more excited! This year, we're kicking off a football themed blood drive full of energy, fun, and incredible giveaways. On this episode we sit down with recruiter Hannah Gwosdz to talk about all things Need For Life blood drive and the need for blood in our community.

Prizes include:

-Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Texas A&M and UT tickets. Turtle Box Range speaker, $100 Walmart gift card and so much more!

Tune in get excited and join us in making a life-saving difference this weekend!

028: Annual Rock and Roll Summer Blood Drive

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:30:00 -0600

It's time to roll up your sleeves and rock out for a great cause! Our Rock and Roll Summer Blood Drive is happening soon and wraps up with a grand finale event on June 28th at Cavender's Boot City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tune in as we speak to donor recruiter Alyssa Gonzalez who breaks down why now is the time to donate and how you can make a difference.

Tune in. Tell a friend. Most importantly, DONATE LIFE!

027: 2025 Annual Battle of the Breweries

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:30:00 -0600

In this episode, we are gearing up for one of our favorite annual events, Battle of the Breweries happening this Saturday, June 14th. Which also happens to be World Blood Donor Day!

We 're joined by two awesome guests and friends of the podcast; Jessica from Lazy Beach and Chris from B&J'S Pizza. Tune in as we dive into what's new at their breweries, what you can expect at this year's Battle of the Breweries and why it is the perfect day to celebrate saving lives!

026: The Importance of Platelets

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:30:00 -0600

Listen to our latest episode where we speak to Elma Hvorcik, In house education coordinator for the Blood Center. She dives into the importance of donating platelets in our community. As well as the awesome monthly incentives when donating platelets and much more!

In other exciting news, we are thrilled that our podcast has made it to the top 5 finalist for the Local's List 2025 under Best Podcast. We kindly ask for your vote. You can click on the link below to vote. We appreciate you!

bit.ly/VoteThirdCoastVeinPodcast

025: 11th Annual Fishing For Donors

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:30:00 -0600

It's that time again, we have gone fishing for YOU, DONORS! We are hosting our 11th Annual Fishing For Donors blood drive. In this episode, we will be talking to Elizabeth and discussing numerous incentives for donating at this event along with the current need in our community and much more. Be sure to subscribe to hear all the latest news and updates from your local Blood Center.

024: Hunting For Donors 24

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0600

It is officially the holiday season and we are kicking it off with our annual Hunting for Donors blood drive. Unfortunately the holidays for us at the Blood Center means an incline in tragedies and a decline in blood donations. On this episode you will hear from one of our Donor Recruiters, Hannah Halepaska. She will speak about how you can help us reach our goal of 500 donors the week leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and so much more. We hope you enjoy and do not forget to subscribe to our podcast.

023: Placenta Accreta Month

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:30:00 -0600

This Placenta Accreta Awareness Month, we are joined by survivor and advocate Jessica Reyes. She shares her journey and hopes to inspire others to donate blood. We are grateful for her and her baby girl Sophia's story and hope it encourages others to begin their blood donation journey.

022: Need For Life Blood Drive

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:30:00 -0600

It's finally here Football Season! We have the ultimate sporting blood drive event happening Saturday, August 24th at Mattress Firm in Moore Plaza. It is all happening from 9 am to 5 pm. All donors will be entered to win some of the coolest prizes such as 2 tickets to the Cowboys/Texans game, 2 tickets to the Red River Rivalry football game, 4 field-level Houston Astros tickets and so much more. You do not want to miss out on these prizes, but most importantly you are saving lives in your very own community! We will see you then.

021: Annual Boots and Badges Campaign

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:30:00 -0600

Join us as we speak to Erika and Antonio, Corpus Christi Police Department Officers. We touch on this wonderful campaign and what it means to the Police Department and them personally. Boots is currently in the lead but they believe that Badges will be victorious.

020: Annual Rock N' Roll Blood Drive

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0600

Our Annual Rock N' Roll blood drive is happening this Saturday, June 29th at Cavender's Boot City. It is an all-day event from 9 am - 5 pm. As always we have incredible raffle prizes and giveaways. Wild 105.5 and the Most Comida and Kona Ice will be in the house.

We have a lot of excitement happening on this day but most importantly we are working together as a community to save as many lives as possible. We will see you all there!

019: Battle of the Breweries

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:30:00 -0600

It is that time again, our Annual Battle of the Breweries! It is all happening this Saturday, June 15th. Every donor who donates at one of the participating breweries on this day will receive our newest pint glass and 25% off their drink of choice. They will also honor the 25% off when bringing in your pint glass through the end of June. HOW EXCITING!

You will listen to Jessica and Christopher from Lazy Beach and BJ's Pizza battle it out or strongly suggest to listeners where donors should donate on this friendly competition day. It is truly all love and support of one another and the Coastal Blood Center's mission. We hope you enjoy it!

We will see you then!

018: What's happening now!

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:30:00 -0600

Happy May friends! In this episode you will hear about more fun events and incentives happening at you local Blood Center. We will also speak about High School Red Cords. the deadline is coming up sooner than not. Seniors make sure to get all your donations completed.

We hope you enjoy and as always if there is something you want to hear on this podcast regarding the Blood Center please do not hesitate to contact us at aramirez@coastalbendbnloodcednter.org.

017: 10th Annual Fishing For Donors

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0600

It is that time again, it is our 10th Annual Fishing For Donors blood drive. It is all happening this Saturday, March 23rd from 9am to 5pm. It will take place at Cavender's Boot City. This event is in hopes of restocking our blood supply especially coming off the Spring Break holiday. Help us reach our goal of 180 donors. Together we can accomplish this. On this episode our wonderful recruiter Michelle Mathis will discuss the importance of this event, the fun giveaways such as our awesome new t-shirt and of course our amazing raffle prizes. You do not want to miss out on this exciting event. We will see you there!

016: New Year, New Campaigns and More!

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0600

Join us as we speak about the Blood Centers NEWEST Platelet Campaign. It is called Platelet Pachanga! This event will occur every first Tuesday of every month. It is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to our wonderful platelet donors. As always we have some more fun exciting events and giveaways coming up here at the Blood Center. Do not forget to hit that subscribe button to make sure you are always listening to our latest episodes.

015: Happy 1 year Anniversary!

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:30:00 -0600

Happy New Year Coastal Bend! Join us on our first episode of the 2024 year. We will discuss National Blood Donor Month, upcoming events., our new Platelet Pachanga campaign happening monthly and so much more! We have some incredible guests joining us this year and some fun incentives as well for you on our podcast. Stay tuned for all the fun details.

Episode 014: Holiday need and incentives

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:30:00 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving week to you all! On this episode we are speaking about the great need for blood donors during the holiday season and the exciting incentives for our wonderful donors.

It al begins today through next week. We hope we see you at the Blood Center or on one of our blood mobiles very soon. On behalf of Coastal Bend Blood Center and myself have a safe and blessed holiday.

013: Local Border Patrol Agent

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode you will hear from Border Patrol agent Christopher Alaniz and his wife as they speak about Mr. Alaniz's life-saving story. Christopher was given blood at the scene of the incident via Halo Flight. Thank goodness for our amazing partnerships in the community and being able to have blood readily available in our community. You definitely do not want to miss out on this emotional heartfelt episode.

013: Recruiters Special

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we have our awesome recruiters joining us. We are speaking about everything that has to do with our high schools. The importance of eating a hearty meal, the Red Cord Program and so much more. You have an opportunity to get to know your recruiters a little more also.

Episode 012: Q&A's

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:30:00 -0600

You asked and we answered! On this episode we are tackling myths and answering questions from our community residents. Thank you to everyone who commented their questions on our social media sites. We will have more questions and answers opportunities to come. These are always fun, this gives us an opportunity to hear directly from our community as well as inform our residents. We hope you learned more about the Blood Center on this episode and you enjoy.

Episode 011: Provost for TAMUCC Dr. Clarenda Philips

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we sit down with Provost for Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Dr. Clarenda Phillips. We will learn more about the inspiring woman she is and also why donating blood is important to her and TAMUCC. You will learn more about our wonderful partnership and newest program, our Collegiate Hero Program, that we so happened to kick off at TAMUCC. We appreciate this partnership and we look forward to continuing to make an Islander impact and community impact as a whole.

Episode 010: Halo Flight

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we sit down with our good friends at Halo Flight. Our partnership began in the Summer of 2019. We discuss the success of this partnership, along with the number of patients lives that were saved due to having blood readily available on the helicopters and so much more! We value our community partnerships and the individuals who believe in our mission just as much as we do. Thank you Halo Flight for all that you do in our community.

Episode 008: Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeves with Hannah Halepaska

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:30:00 -0600

Join us for Episode 8 where we discuss our upcoming Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve blood drive. Our recruiter Hannah Halepaska joins in to discuss this exciting Summer blood drive and so much more.

This event is happening on Saturday, June 24th at Cavender's Boot City from 9 AM - 5 PM.Donors will be entered to win a $500 H-E-B Gift Card, $300 Amazon Gift Card, Pit Boss Pellet Grill, 4 Field Level Astro Tickets (Game of Choice), Beats Studio Headphones, Roomba, Airpods & so much more! Plus, all donors will receive a 'Rock & Roll' T-Shirt, a Blue Bell Ice Cream Voucher & a Texas State Aquarium Coupon.Interested individuals can click this link (bit.ly/RockNRoll2023Drive) or call the Blood Center at 361-855-4943 to schedule a lifesaving appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

Episode 007- Tiffany Livas

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode you will listen to the incredible story of Tiffany Livas. She was told very early on during her pregnancy that her baby would more than likely not survive. Tiffany and her husband decided they would continue with the pregnancy and see what God had instore for their family. Tiffany received three transfusions within twenty three minutes. This was a massive trauma protocol. Tiffany believed in saving lives through blood donations prior to this but even more so now. We are so happy to say that both Tiffany and her daughter are healthy and looking forward the terrible twos.

006- 7th Annual "Battle of the Breweries" Campaign

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this Episode 006 of our Third Coast Vein Podcast we sit down to speak with Chris and Cale, local breweries owners. It is the Blood Center's 7th Annual Battle of the Breweries Campaign happening this Saturday, August 29, 2023. It is friendly competition amongst our local breweries.

You will get to know these gentlemen a little more and understand the passion they have in supporting the Blood Center as well as some struggles their businesses faced during the pandemic and much more. Thank you for your continued support and may the best brewery win!

Find your favorite participating brewery & schedule an appointment (bit.ly/BattleoftheBreweries2023) to donate your lifesaving blood with the perk of receiving a T-Shirt, Grimaldi's coupon and various brewery giveaways.

005- Medical Laboratory Professionals Week with Nicole Peters - Episode 005

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we speak to Nicole Peters, Director of Technical Services/IT. She dives in to the day to day process of the Blood Center's Laboratory department. She also explains in detail the process of blood testing, donating platelets, what's right for your type of blood and so much more. You do not want to miss tuning in to this informative episode.

Thank you again Nicole for your time and happy early Medical Laboratory Professionals Week to you and your staff.

004- Advocate Blood Donor Mrs. Bilano

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode 004 you will hear the story of Annie Bilano. She has been donating blood well over twenty years and is a huge advocate of the Blood Center. She speaks about how the importance of the giving blood was instilled in her at a very young age. You will also hear why she continued her blood donor journey and how much she believes in the Coastal Bend Blood Center's mission. Thank you Annie for being a true local hero and life saver in our community.

003- 9th Annual Fishing For Donors Event with Celeste Baggett

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we are taking with Donor Recruiter for the Coastal Bend Blood Center, Celeste Baggett. You will learn more about this week long campaign and the main event that is held at Cavender's Boot City in Corpus Christi. Also, we will speak about the amazing raffle prizes that donors have the opportunity to win and most importantly the importance of saving lives in the Coastal Bend.

002- 135 Gallon Blood Donor

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:30:00 -0600

On this episode we speak with Mr. Rosse. He is a 135 gallon donor. He also is a huge advocate for saving lives in the Coastal Bend. You can find Mr. Rosse at the Blood Center multiple times a month. Hear more about his blood donation journey and much more about this selfless life-saver.

001- Mayor Paulette Guajardo

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:30:00 -0600

Thank you to our incredible Mayor Paulette Guajardo for being our first guest on our premiere Third Coast Vein Podcast. Mayor Guajardo is committed to helping bring awareness of the importance of giving blood in our community. She is also a regular blood donor and a dear friend of mine. In this first episode of season 1 learn more of why our Mayor believes it is extremely vital for our community to become regulars donors and her 2023 pledge.

On behalf of the Blood Center we thank you Paulette for your continued support of the Blood Center.