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08/03: Blood and cancer agencies unite for bloody battle (Kelowna)
Canadian Blood Services, BC Cancer Agency kick off
13th annual Interior Drive for Life blood donor challenge
Kelowna, B.C. – Canadian Blood Services today launched the 13th annual Interior Drive for Life blood donor challenge, in partnership with the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.
The challenge, which pits the communities of Kelowna and Prince George against each other to see which clinic can come closest to its goal, runs from August 3 to September 30.
“This challenge is one of our favourite times of year at the blood donor clinic,” says Tammie Watson, Community Development Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services. “Not only do we get to see our blood donors’ community spirit and enthusiasm, it’s also a great opportunity for us to raise important messages and themes, such as the close link between blood products and cancer patients.”
While many immediately associate blood products with trauma patients, in reality blood products are used for many different purposes, including for cancer patients. In 2009, close to a third of the blood issued to Kelowna General Hospital went towards oncology patients.
“Blood products play a necessary role in supportive care of cancer treatment for some of our patients,” says Dr. Pamela Leco, radiation oncologist, BC Cancer Agency, and avid blood donor. “I see the life-saving benefits of blood donation in my everyday practice and hope that Kelowna residents are motivated to donate blood this summer in support of cancer patients in need.”
Since cancer – and the need for blood – can hit at any time throughout the year, it’s essential Canadian Blood Services collect blood every day of the year for patients in need.
“The summer months can be a difficult time of year for us,” says Watson. “While fewer people tend to donate blood due to summer holidays and outdoor activities, we still need to collect just as much blood as other times of the year. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation.”
Interior resident Kristin Subotin knows all too well about the need for blood products throughout the year. Her husband, Cody, has been battling cancer off and on for the last 16 years, and is currently fighting his fourth diagnosis.
“If there were no blood products available for Cody, he most certainly would not be alive today,” says Subotin. “In his very long battle against cancer, he has received excellent treatment through BC Cancer Agency and hundreds of blood products through Canadian Blood Services. I am so grateful for those that give to help the cause of cancer - donations of both money and blood.”
This year’s Interior Drive for Life goal is 1,432 donations. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book a blood donation appointment between now and 2 p.m. on September 30. The winner of this year’s challenge will be announced at the same time in both Kelowna and Prince George, at 3 p.m. on September 30.
Prince George is currently in the lead overall with six wins and one tie; Kelowna is behind with five wins and one tie.
About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Canadian Blood Services operates 42 permanent collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics annually. The provincial and territorial Ministries of Health provide operational funding to Canadian Blood Services. The federal government, through Health Canada, is responsible for regulating the blood system. For more information, please visit blood.ca.
About the BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency. www.bccancer.bc.ca
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Media contact:
Allison Colina
Communications
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877. 6272
acolina@bccancer.bc.ca
Tammie Watson
Community Development Coordinator
Phone: 250-448-4022
Cell: 250-979-8053
tammie.watson@blood.ca
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