With hopes of recruiting new donors, Canadian Blood Services has named two blood donor clinics in honour of local high school student Kailynn Bursic-Panchuk, who died when her car was struck by a train this summer. The campaign is called 'give while you live'.

Kailynn's mother Sandra LaRose said her 16-year-old daughter planned to become a blood donor when she reached age 17, the minimum age required by Canadian Blood Services. Kailynn never got the chance, passing away the day after her 17th birthday on August 21.

"The campaign they've named 'give while you live' because Kailynn wanted to be a blood donor when she turned 17. It was one of the things that she was excited to do, amongst other things."  

Kailynn's friend Emily Desjarlais donated.

Kailynn was already an organ donor at the time of her death. Her kidneys and liver were donated after her life support was turned off in August. 

"It was just another way of giving and she just had that personality, wanted to give, wanted to help, and if she could, she would," shared LaRose. 

The first donor clinic was on Valentine's Day in Regina. The second clinic will be held on Tuesday in Weyburn at Knox Hall. LaRose will be at the clinic on Tuesday, where she helped recruit several local high school students who were friends with Kailynn. 

"I think six of the high school students have chosen to donate. So, that was my goal here in Weyburn was to try to recruit the students because if you can become a lifelong donor starting at 17 years old you could help save a lot of lives in your lifetime."

The local blood donor clinic on Tuesday is nearly full. LaRose said those wishing to do so can donate blood anytime in honour of Kailynn.

Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book an appointment or click HERE.

(L-R) LaRose's friend Cathy Wingert, cousin Dawn Galan, sister Sonja Goff, brother-in-law Ken Goff, and friend Kathy Sebastian all donated blood at the clinic on February 14.

 

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