Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Events Newswire

Florida Child in Need of Extremely Rare Blood- OneBlood Leading Worldwide Search to Locate Donors 12/3/2018 8:00 AM - 12/3/2119

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:19:23 GMT

(Orlando, Florida December 3, 2018) OneBlood, the local not-for-profit blood center serving Florida and other parts of the southeast, is leading a worldwide search to find some of the rarest blood in the world. It’s needed to help save two-year-old Zainab, a South Florida girl who is battling neuroblastoma, a very aggressive form of cancer. Zainab’s blood is extremely rare because she is missing a common antigen that most people carry on their red blood cells. The antigen is called “Indian B” (Inb). For a person to be a possible match for Zainab, they must also be missing the Indian B antigen, or the little girl's body will reject the blood. Locating people who are missing the Indian B antigen comes down to genetics. • Statistically, the only people who are likely to be a match for Zainab are people of Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent. Of these populations, less than 4% of the people are actually missing the Indian B antigen. To be a match for Zainab a donor must meet the following criteria: • Must be exclusively Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent – meaning the donor’s birth parents are both 100% Pakistani, Indian or Iranian • Must be blood type “O” or “A” • All donations for Zainab must be coordinated with OneBlood in advance to ensure the additional compatibility testing is performed. Visit https://www.oneblood.org/zainab/ for donation information. OneBlood is working closely with other blood centers and the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP), an organization that searches the world for rare blood donors. So far, three matching donors have been located, including a donor that ARDP located in the United Kingdom, near London. It’s the first time OneBlood has ever received an international donor for a local patient. The other two matching donors are from the United States. While it’s promising the three donors have been located, additional donors are needed. Zainab will need blood transfusions for the foreseeable future. To support her long-term blood needs, the search is on to find at least seven to ten compatible donors. OneBlood is sharing Zainab’s story in the hopes more people who meet the specific donor criteria will come forward to donate for the little girl. OneBlood is conducting all compatibility testing of potential donors. So far, more than 1,000 local donations, as well as donations from other parts of the country have been tested and no additional matches have been identified. Media Tool Kit Available • To view OneBlood’s online show about the search for Zainab’s donors, and for details on how to donate and/or host a blood drive for Zainab, please visit https://www.oneblood.org/zainab/. • A media tool kit with video and interviews is available by visiting https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4yrbbtu13mdglv6/AADToakWh9ixj9e4rBKiXYjca?dl=0. ## OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital partners and their patients throughout most of Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about OneBlood visit www.oneblood.org.

Welcome Center and Chamber Offices Closed 12/31/2026 - 1/3/2027

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:44:00 GMT

The Chamber Offices and Welcome Center will be closing at noon on Thursday, December 31st and remain closed until Sunday, January 3rd in celebration of the New Year. Our offices will reopen on Monday at 8:00am.

We wish you a wonderful, fun and safe New Year with your family and friends!

If you need immediate assistance during this time, please visit our website at www.capecoralchamber.com or email info@capecoralchamber.com

Shell Ambassador Certification 1/15/2027 8:30 AM - 1/15/2027 5:00 PM

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:07:13 GMT

Instructors: Jorden Falker, Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Education Coordinator; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and Collections Assistant

This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells, mollusks, and local coastal ecosystems. Topics include local shell identification, mollusk biology, dune plant and animal identification, Sanibel beach laws, tides, and identification of beach finds. To successfully become a Shell Ambassador, students will pass tests on shell identification and beach regulations.

Materials recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, pen/pencil and a notebook

Materials provided: Pre-course study materials, laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.

Cost:$150 ($120 for Museum Members)

Maximum 15 students.

2027 Chairman's Gala & Excellence In Business Awards 1/30/2027 6:30 PM - 1/30/2027 10:00 PM

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:40:27 GMT

You’re Invited! The 2027 Chairman’s Gala & Excellence in Business Awards

Please join us as we celebrate an incredible year by recognizing our sponsors, volunteers, board members, and everyone who worked so hard to make it a success. We’ll also be welcoming our new board members and leadership team for 2027! Sponsorship Info Coming Soon

Presentation of the Annual Chamber Awards and Excellence In Business Awards
Chamber Board Induction Ceremony
Silent and Chance Auction
Catered Dinner and Champagne Toast
And so much more to kick off the new year!

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Check-In Begins: 6:30 PM
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village

Take the night to have fun, and raise a glass as we welcome 2027 with style!