A Calgary family and Canadian Blood Services teamed up Saturday to hold a special blood donor clinic.
It's the third time Frank and Melanie Pogubila have held a clinic honoring their son Evan.
Evan died on June 26, 2007 at the age of 13-months after complications following a stem cell transplant. The toddler had a rare immunodeficiency disease called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), which is commonly referred to as "Bubble Boy Disease".
The Pogubila's saw first hand the need for blood during Evan's battle with SCIDs. He spent most of his young life in hospital and received many blood products and a stem cell transplant as part of his treatment.
On Saturday, more than 120 people answered the call to donate blood in honour of Evan. The response was so great, that another clinic has been scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at the Calgary Blood Donor Clinic located at 737-13th Avenue SW.
Canadian Blood Services says half of Canadians are eligible to give blood, but only one in 16 actually do it. To book an appointment, call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Visit One Match for more information on becoming a potential stem cell donor.
