VOCM is holding its annual Holiday Blood Drive today in St. John’s, and one mother is highlighting just how special the gift of blood can be.

Holly Farrell says when her son, Kade, was 10 years old he was diagnosed with a chromosome deletion called 22q.

It essentially means that he doesn’t have an immune system, and to keep him healthy he relies on weekly plasma and blood donations.

She says blood donations mean a lot to her family as it helps keep several of Kade’s systems functioning, noting that there is “no greater gift than the gift of blood.”

Now 14, Farrell says her son is “doing great.” He had to stay in the Janeway for a bit in October, and due to his condition has been homeschooled for the last four years.

She says when COVID hit in 2020 they made a “four-day decision” to move to the province because they knew they “needed a village.” Since they started sharing Kade’s story they’ve found that village, and now they want to use that village to encourage people to give. The goal, she says, is for people to give three times in 2023—by comparison her son gets four pokes per week.

The VOCM Holiday Blood Drive is taking place today at Canadian Blood Services on Wicklow Street.

People are encouraged to book an appointment through 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).