Carrie Kuzik spent Tuesday afternoon thanking Albertans for giving blood at the most appropriate venue possible, the local branch of Canadian Blood Services near the University of Alberta.
She was there to give blood because her six-year-old son Hunter has depended so much on the generosity of metro Edmonton residents for his own health and happiness. He was born with a rare bone marrow disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia that causes low hemoglobin levels. Because of the condition, Hunter needs a fresh transfusion every three weeks.
She wanted to tell everybody that donating blood is the kind of Secret Santa present that words of gratitude just can't express.
"If it wasn't for them, Hunter wouldn't be here. He needs those blood transfusions to live. He's had 110 blood transfusions now and the worst thing that he's caught is a cold. Not only do they make sure that blood is available for him, but they make sure that it's safe blood."
Even Hunter got in on the action.
"He was excited to be there. He walked around and passed out candy canes and thanked everybody himself for donating blood."
The next blood donor clinics in St. Albert are on Dec. 7 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 20 at the St. Albert Catholic Church from 3 to 8 p.m.
St. Albert Alliance Church hosts Christmas Memory Tree
Adjusting after losing a loved one is difficult, but many people find it especially tough at Christmas. That's why the St. Albert Alliance Church is holding a special event tomorrow evening to allow anyone in the community the chance to celebrate and symbolize their loss as a step towards healing.
Organizer Alison Zalasky said that it helps a lot of people and it's a small part of a larger program.
"We do have a coping ministry so when we have people who are grieving with loss, if they would like to get together with other people, we put on a support program that runs from eight to 12 weeks."
The Christmas Memory Tree takes place tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. The St. Albert Alliance Church is located one kilometre west of St. Albert Trail on Villeneuve Road (highway 633). For more information, phone 780-458-5335 or visit www.staalliance.org. Ornaments will be supplied for attendees who don't have their own, plus dessert and coffee will be served.
