Blood Sweat and Spin Fundraiser

(L to R) Back row - Krista Metcalfe, Laura Aseltine, Tracy Verdel, Karla Schebesch, Laura Waite.  Front row Michelle Polisco, Aldina Haynes.  Missing - Emmally Laliberte.

The Transfusion Medicine Laboratory transfuses over 22,000 units of blood each year, with many of these units going to patients requiring treatment for blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, etc). As well as providing transfusion support, the lab also collects and prepares the life saving Stem Cell transplants that many of these patients go on to require in order to obtain remission from their disease. In January, when one of our own was diagnosed with Lymphoma, we knew then that we need to step up our support for her as she navigates treatment. Our support was demonstrated with calls, texts and emails of well wishes, as well as stocking her fridge and freezer with food on a weekly basis. This support just didn’t seem to be enough for us. Other Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM) departments have even jumped on board to offer support to her as well, collecting much needed funds to cover items not covered by our benefits.

Just when we were looking for other ways to support her, along came information in the weekly E-Cast regarding the Blood Sweat and Spin Fundraiser to support LHSC’s patients living with Blood Cancers. A quick email went out to see who was interested in participating, and in no time, we had enough interest to secure 3 team spots with a total of 9 participants. The event was held on March 30 at The Factory in the old Kellogg building and was a huge success for its inaugural year! The 3-hour cycle was led by super energetic instructors from Hi Ignition Fit Lab, and each Transfusion team member took 1 hour of the ride. The energy in the building was amazing. The Transfusion Medicine participants were able to raise just shy of $4000 dollars, and the event itself surpassed its fundraising goal of $25K to raise a whopping $40K! Proceeds from this event go directly to C7 oncology floor and London Regional Cancer program blood cancer initiatives as well as the Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance Fund.

Hopefully next year, we will be able to see more of our PaLM teammates join us on our ride to support our patients with blood cancers.