North Bay family saves lives together

Canadian Blood Services
News Release

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Keith and Kelly McQuoid have been donating blood for many years. They both attend North Bay community blood donor clinics on a regular basis. But this month will be different as their 17 year old son, Mitchell will be joining them. On March 26, the McQuoid family will potentially save 9 lives together.

Keith McQuoid started donating plasma at the Sudbury blood donor clinic in 1993. Mitchell was only 2 at the time and Keith would book his appointments around Mitchell's nap times. When Mitchell was old enough, Keith would bring his son to the clinic with him. Mitchell just turned 17 on March 16th and will be making his first, very much anticipated, blood donation on March 26. Brady, the McQuoid’s youngest son, who is 13, is also very anxious to be able to donate.

The McQuoid family understands the importance of blood donations. Keith’s brother, Marty, at age 13, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia which is a rare blood disease in the bone marrow and received several blood transfusions. Unfortunately, Marty died four months after diagnosis.

“We all understand that donating blood can save lives in many ways and we will continue to be donors for as long as possible and we highly encourage everyone to do the same” says Kelly McQuoid.

Hospital demand for blood is growing by 2% year-over-year. While 2% may not sound like a lot, that's 17,000 extra units of blood this year alone! Canadian blood donors are amongst the most generous in the world, however they need more company!

We are encouraging North Bay residents to come out and donate blood at the community blood donor clinic on March 26 and 27 at the Elk’s Lodge. On average, every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood or blood products. And the hour it takes to give has the potential to save up to three lives.

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