Norman motorcyclist needs blood, family says

BY JANE GLENN CANNON
Published: November 15, 2008

NORMAN — A man whose leg was severed in a motorcycle accident remained in critical condition Friday, a Norman Regional Hospital spokesman said.

Narong Viravong

Multimedia

More Info

HOW TO HELP

Blood donations can be made in the name of Narong Viravong at the Oklahoma Blood Institute, 1004 24th Avenue NW in Norman, and at 1001 Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. Those donating blood should specify it is for Viravong, who is a patient in Norman Regional Hospital.

Narong Viravong, 36, has undergone multiple blood transfusions since the accident Thursday afternoon and will continue to need more blood, his brother, Naret Viravong said.

The family has issued a plea that people give blood in Viravong’s name. Family friend Megan Brown said the man’s insurance does not cover the cost of transfusions, and the expense is mounting.

"He’s had to have 30 pints of blood so far,” Brown said.

Finding support

Naret Viravong said his brother is the type of person "who, if you asked for a $1, he would give you $2. He would do anything for anybody.”

Narong Viravong is one of seven children who immigrated with their parents to the United States from Laos 30 years ago.

He serves as the caretaker for his aging parents and just finished building them a new house, Naret Viravong said.

"I just flew in from West Palm Beach, Fla., and it’s been wonderful to see how many people have come forward to show concern and support for my brother. He has touched a lot of lives” Naret Viravong said.

Narong Viravong was injured about 1:30 p.m. Thursday when a car driven by Jill H. Kilcullen, 29, of Norman struck the motorcycle on 12th Avenue NE at Rock Creek Road, police said.