Blood donor clinic in honour of local boy

The bi-monthly blood donor clinic is back in Timmins this week. And this week, they are holding a special day for a young boy battling Congenital Heart Disease.

Owen Fodchuk is a three-year old Timmins boy with quite the story.

“(Owen) received his first heart surgery before he was born at 25 weeks gestation,” the press release read.

“Owen was born prematurely at 36 weeks, July 23, 2014 and less than 24 hours after birth, Owen received an emergency intestinal surgery, followed by his first open heart surgery on July 27, 2014.”

Because of surgeries and low hemoglobin, the release goes on to say Owen’s received 19 blood transfusions.

“Without blood donations, children like Owen and others who are fighting big battles would not be able to survive.”

At the moment, Owen awaits his third open heart surgery and will need blood again.

Owen will be St. Dominique’s Hall on Park Avenue on Wednesday, according to Canadian Blood Services Territory Manager Joanne Drake.

“He will be bringing his bravery beads and collection of all the photos that they took during his fight,” she said, “It will be quite touching.”

As of last Friday, there were 96 donors needed for the Wednesday clinic. Drake says you can book your appointment at Blood.ca, or you can go into the clinic.

Wednesday’s clinic runs 10:30am to 3:30pm.

If you can’t make it out, there is a clinic today (Tuesday) from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 4:00pm to 7:30pm.

Drake says the Tuesday clinic have about 30 spots left.

“Thank you to everyone who donates blood.” says Grace Fodchuk, “You are making a huge difference in the lives of hospital patients like Owen. The gift of blood is the gift of life.”