DALLAS, Aug 13, 2003/ FW/ --- Are you my type?" a very innocuous question at best. But not when it comes to blood type.

According to givelife.org, nearly 5 million people receive a blood transfusion every year.

And good number of these transfusions make a difference between life and death.

Although blood is made of the same basic elements, not all blood is alike. In fact, there are 8 common red blood cell types, which are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens. The main red blood cell groups are A, B, AB, and O.

You can't donate red blood cells to just anyone and you can't receive blood from just anyone — blood groups need to be matched.

So, when designer Nicole Miller created the exclusive limited edition t-shirt for the American Red Cross Save A Life Tour 2003, she asked, "Are You My Type?"

This limited edition t-shirt, which is also the official t-shirt of the tour will be available to blood donors, corporations and VIP's as well as select partners, as identified by the Red Cross.

As a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, Miller has volunteered for one year to promote awareness of Red Cross services and activities nationwide.

"I am honored that my t-shirt design will help represent the Save A Life Tour 2003," stated Nicole Miller.

"It is my privilege to take part in such an extraordinary campaign that will help save thousands of lives," she added.

The 'Save A Life Tour 2003,' a six month campaign to help America renew its blood supply is in reponse to the growth and aging of the American population and medical advances requiring more blood for procedures.

The campaign is one of the largest initiatives in American Red Cross history, and will help Red Cross achieve its overall goal of 3,000,000 blood donations nationwide

It also encourages Americans to help save lives through regular blood donation.

"One of the main objectives of this campaign is to attract a younger donor base and new donors," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO, American Red Cross.

The tour kicked off on last May 20th in Los Angeles. Three hundred and forty five communities across the country, supported by community leaders, celebrities, businesses and citizens, will join the effort.

The Save A Life Tour 2003 features two Red Cross convoys that travel across the country, visiting communities to celebrate involvement and to educate the public. The convoys will include an interactive Red Cross Mobile Museum accompanied by community VIP's, celebrities, donors and recipients.

A web site, www.givelife.org, will track the convoy schedule and provide information about community participation and current levels of donations.

Recently, the Red Cross unveiled its second annual National Celebrity Cabinet whose members represent an exceptional combination of well-respected actors, television personalities, musical artists, sports figures and a clothing designer.

The National Celebrity Cabinet will promote and raise awareness of a variety of Red Cross lines of service including blood donations, disaster response, measles vaccinations and health and safety training.

The Cabinet members will become involved in national initiatives and provide tools to support regional and local Red Cross offices, as well as the nearly 1,000 field units nationwide.

The Red Cross will work with individual cabinet members to promote their areas of interest.

For further information about the Save A Life Tour 2003, to sign up to give blood, to hold a blood drive or donate time, goods and services to the effort, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or your local Red Cross Blood Region and visit www.givelife.org.