Local annual blood drive collects 65 units

Amidst one of the worst blood shortages in the nation’s history, 65 successful units of blood were collected at the annual Kennedie June Von Ryan Foundation’s annual blood drive at the Lamb’s Fellowship Church last week.

Many Canyon Lake residents were among the 79 donors who showed to contribute blood. The event and sponsoring foundation is in honor of Temescal Canyon High School student Kennedie June Von Ryan who died in a tragic car accident just outside of Canyon Lake in October of 2018 at the age of 17. She was an elite water polo athlete at the school and was planning on playing the sport at the Division I level in college. The foundation honors student/athletes every year with scholarships.

Canyon Lake’s Taylor Frasca donates blood as Kim Ryan and Harvey Ryan look on in support. The Ryans are the parents of Kennedie, who died in 2018 and for whom the foundation is named. Sixty four units of blood were donated by 79 participants at the annual event. Photo provided by the Kennedie June Von Ryan Foundation

The successful blood drive was especially meaningful to the foundation and her family as it was held on what would have been Kennedie’s 21st birthday. It was a great opportunity to celebrate her memory, Aaron Manley of the foundation said.

“In a time when the nation is facing one of its largest blood shortages in history, events like these are crucial for the health of our residents,” Aaron said.

The KJVR Foundation awards college scholarships annually to student athletes attending one of the three main high schools in the area, Elsinore, Temescal Canyon and Lakeside.

“Their mission is to honor Kennedie’s spirit and enthusiasm by providing scholarships to student athletes in our community and other opportunities for local youth,” Aaron said. “This would not be possible without the generous donations from local residents.”

The foundation typically has two major events each year, one being the blood drive which is aimed at celebrating Kennedie’s love for others and helping the community, he said.  The second major event is its annual Summer Benefit Bash which is the primary source of fundraising for the foundation and the scholarships it provides.

This year’s Summer Benefit Bash will be held at Launch Pointe in Lake Elsinore and will include options for the entire weekend or the main event on Saturday night. Information on the event can be found on the foundation’s website, kjvrfoundation.com.

“We look forward to seeing many of the Canyon Lake residents at this year’s event,” Aaron said.