Daughters Continue Family Tradition of Donating Blood with Schaumburg Blood Drive March 29

With childhood memories of their parents donating blood as vivid as those forged decades later when the pair received blood to offset their chemotherapy treatments, two sisters will host a LifeSource blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, at Elegant Event Lighting, 630 Morse Ave., Schaumburg.

Sisters Robin Walsh and Tracy Gardner have seen firsthand the complete lifecycle of blood through their parent's lives, and now hope to begin a new tradition with an annual blood drive held in their parents' honor. The drive will be held at the site of Gardner's employer in Schaumburg.

Growing up in Elk Grove, the Carpentersville women recall accompanying their parents to the community blood drives held several times a year at village hall.

"Our parents wanted to do something to give back to the community," Robin Walsh explains. "We couldn't wait until we were old enough to donate blood ourselves."

For Walsh and her sister, the value of those donations wouldn't be realized until decades later when both parents required blood products for their chemotherapy treatments. Their dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, and finally succumbed to the disease last year. Their mom, similarly, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012, and eventually received more than 100 transfusions.

"Donating blood has always been a family thing for us," says Walsh. "Our goal is to make this an annual tradition, while also teaching the next generation of the importance of donating blood."

Because their mom is currently awaiting a stem cell transplant, the two have also invited national bone marrow registrar BeTheMatch to register cheek swabs at the blood drive.

Bone marrow registrants are limited to ages 18-44, and must be in good health.

Along with hosting daily blood drives, LifeSource operates 19 community donor centers and four fixed sites with regular operating days and hours. In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification.

In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent).

To schedule an appointment, contact LifeSource at (877) 543-3768, or visit www.lifesource.org, and use sponsor code 674B. Walk-ins are welcome.