State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting to Inspire Blood Donation

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- During this season of giving Governor Henry has a message for Oklahomans. He's asking everyone to give the gift of life, by donating blood.

Folks will fill an area near the state Capitol for the annual lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree.

The Governor and two local boys will flip the switch that will light up the tree. The two lucky helpers are celebrating another Christmas because of generous Oklahomans.

Camden Looper, 5, is looking forward to Christmas and he knows exactly what he wants.

"Um, Star Wars toys," Camden said.

But it wasn't too long ago Camden's mother wasn't sure how many more holidays she would have with her son.

Camden was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just a little over 1-year-old. He spent months in the hospital undergoing a number of treatments.

"There were 19 different occasions when he needed blood transfusions," Danielle Looper, Camden's mother, said.

The blood came from family, friends and strangers. Danielle is thankful for every drop.

"They hooked him up and it was within a few minutes, once it started going into his body, he just, he color came back to him, he just came back to life," Danielle said.

Camden is proof that blood donations save lives. His cancer is in now in remission.

"I got these two shots and I cried cause they both hurt," Camden said.

For that, he's thankful his check ups are only once a year. Now Camden and his mother want Oklahomans to remember all the others who are in need of a life saving gift this holiday season.

"There are so many children in the hospital and so many adults in the hospital that need that and it's just a simple gift of blood, but it is something that is a life-saver," Danielle said.

There will also be 30 evergreens in the State Capitol Park that will be lighted during the celebration.

Students from all over the metro helped decorate 42 Christmas trees inside the Capitol building Tuesday.