Blood, bone marrow drive exceeds expectations

BY Betty Williams

Pam Malcolmson donates blood. Pam organized the blood drive and bone marrow screening in honor of her grandson who passed away before a donor could be found. Photo by Jill Torkelson

Canyon Lake resident Pam Malcolmson organized a blood drive and bone marrow screening on the tenth anniversary of her grandson Trevor passing away from acute myelogenous leukemia before a bone marrow donor could be found. The event, held in the Canyon Lake Towne Center on Saturday, May 13, was a success with 30 blood donations and 11 bone marrow screenings.

LifeStream, a not-for-profit comprehensive blood organization, administered the blood donations and bone marrow screenings on its three-bed bus.

“There was an overwhelming response, at least 11 people had to walk away due to the wait times,” said one LiveStream staff member.

“Although I’m pleased with the turnout, I’m disappointed people had to walk away,” said Pam. “We could have had another bus to meet demand, but you never know how many people will show up.”

Pam is planning on organizing another event with LifeStream in the near future, possibly the first week in July.

Those who were not able to attend the blood drive are invited to donate blood at Canyon Lake Community Church’s blood drive this Sunday, May 21, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The church is located at 30515 Railroad Canyon Rd. Participants should bring a photo ID, drink extra water and eat iron-rich foods.