By Spencer Sterritt

Community rallies for largest blood drive ever in Nanaimo

Feb 6, 2018 | 5:38 PM

NANAIMO — The beds at a recent blood donation clinic were all full after the community rallied to help several young children diagnosed with cancer.

More than 50 donors signed up to give blood on both Tuesday, Feb. 6 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Beban Park Social Centre to help anyone needing a transfusion.

Lindsay Gunderson, who’s eight-year-old son Carson was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in September 2017, said he underwent four blood transfusions as part of his treatment.

“Seeing the community come together, not only for my family but for all the kids that are going through this…has been an overwhelming emotional experience,” Gunderson said.

Though her husband is a regular donor and she used to be, Gunderson said they never realized how crucial blood transfusions are.

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“If he’d gone through his treatment without transfusions, we would probably still be in hospital. It shortens the duration of treatment because they recover quicker.”

Carson finished his treatment just before December 2017, but several of the children who inspired the blood drive are facing a longer battle.

Organizer Carmen Falconer said after doing the typical fundraisers to help the families, it became clear they weren’t enough.

“It was very upsetting obviously for the families, having to go to Vancouver, living at Ronald McDonald house, hoping for the best. I knew the one thing they all needed in their treatment was blood transfusions.”

She said she was thrilled to see her efforts reflected in the largest blood drive ever in Nanaimo.

“It grows the awareness of the need for the blood bank, whether the blood goes to these children, surgeries or accidents, anything like that.”

Of the 54 people who signed up for her blood drive, Falconer said many were first time blood donors.

Though many of the spots are booked on Wednesday and Thursday, space is still available at blood donation clinics on Feb. 13 and 14.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit