A local family is hosting a blood drive today in honour of their son who lost his battle with cancer in 2014.
The Spencer family is remembering their son, Maisyn, through the blood drive as part of Cancer Awareness Month.
The family says blood donations were key to his treatment and are hoping to raise awareness of their importance.
Manager of the Windsor blood clinics, Marisa Gatfield, says most donations are used within days of donation.
"Every minute of every day there's someone in Canada that needs blood and often from more than one generous blood donor," says Gatfield. "For example, it can take up to five donors to help someone undergoing cancer treatment and it can take up to eight donors a week to help someone fighting lukiemia."
AM800 file photo of the Canadian Blood Services at 3909 Grand Marais Rd. E. in Windsor. (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
Gatfield says one cancer patient can need multiple donations in one week.
"These are life saving gifts that can make a difference," says Gatfield. "We need approximately 375 people to come through our doors every week in order to ensure we collect the blood that's needed."
Gatfield says there are many local kids fighting cancer, and continue to need blood donations from residents.
The In Honour of Maisyn Blood Drive is set for 8am to 12pm today at the Canadian Blood Services clinic on Grand Marais Rd. in Windsor.
In Honour of Maisyn Blood Drive @ #Windsor Blood Donor Clinic Saturday Sept 30 from 8am - 12pm #Superhero #ChildhoodCancerAwareness Join Us pic.twitter.com/1wpKdaESIg
— #GiveLife in Windsor (@GiveLifeWindsor) September 28, 2017