A special cookout and blood drive will be held for Luverne Elementar ySchool student Megan Rodriguez today, Sept 14, at Crenshaw Community Hospital, according to Bonnie Trotter, CCH physical therapy/ public relations.

Rodriguez is the 10-year-old granddaughter of Roland and Gloria Plaisance. She is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor and is in Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

&uot;Megan is a wonderful, sweet and loving little girl,&uot; Angel Knott, a family and church friend, said. &uot;I would describe her as a ‘hug-a-bug.’&uot;

Knott said that Rogriguez was diagnosed approximately two months ago with the brain tumor. Her recent surgery removed 70 percent of the tumor, with another surgery planned for this week.

Megan and her family came to Crenshaw County after Hurricane Katrina. They are originally from New Orleans.

&uot;We want everyone to come out and donate blood and buy a plate lunch so we can show our support for this precious little girl,&uot; Trotter said.

The cook out will take place at CCH’s physical therapy department from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Each plate will cost $6.

Trotter said that tickets may be purchased at the hospital’s physical therapy building, the pharmacy department or in the purchasing department.

Also, the LifeSouth Community bloodmobile will be on hand for a community blood drive to be held in honor of Rodriguez. The bloodmobile will be located at 101 Baptist Lane in Luverne. Donors are invited to come at any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years of age. Each donor will receive a recognition item, and he or she must bring a valid photo I.D.

LifeSouth supplies 100 percent of Crenshaw Community Hospital’s blood.

There will also be a cholesterol screening for all blood donors today as well.

For more information about today’s blood drive and benefit luncheon, please contact Bonnie Trotter at 335-1108.