2023-08-23

Upcoming blood donation event pays tribute to Katelyn Lohnes

COOKVILLE - Canadian Blood Services and family members of the late Katelyn Lohnes are asking people to roll up their sleeves and donate in her memory this month.

Lohnes, of Garden Lots, Lunenburg County, advocated with determination the importance and value of blood and stem cell donations to people fighting cancer. Following her November 2019 diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, she needed hundreds of blood products during treatment and had a stem cell transplant in June 2020.

Five months after a secondary diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma, Lohnes died in a Halifax hospital. She was 28.

While she battled the disease and its myriad of complications, she remained committed to bring awareness and encourage others to "give from within" because so many lives depend on this generosity. She would even try and track her intake of whole blood and platelets and make those figures a donation target for others to match.

"A lot of people in our community joined the (stem cell) registry and I really think it made an impact," Katelyn's sister, Jessica Lohnes.

Jessica started giving blood after her sibling's diagnosis and has been donating ever since. Her next appointment, on Aug. 29, will mark donation number 11 for her.

Lohnes's family is continuing Katelyn's legacy and giving back with a memorial donation event. Donations in her memory can be made on Aug. 29 between 1 and 3 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. The location is the Best Western hotel off Highway 10.

To check eligibility or to book an appointment at any time, go to https://www.blood.ca.

Jessica, who plans to be on site for the day with her mother, knows of several people who'll donate blood for the first time that day.

She said her sister would appreciate the effort.

"I think she would be extremely proud of everyone putting themselves out there in her memory to try to make a difference," Jessica said.

Growing up in the Lunenburg area, Katelyn participated in 4-H and was involved in a rabbit rescue organization and worked for her father's amusement business making sweet treats or animal balloons, read her online obituary.

She worked in retail for many years but, after graduating with a college diploma in therapeutic recreation, she was employed with a community for older adults in Halifax County.

Katelyn also loved cooking, travelling, needlepoint, crocheting, checking out yard sales and thrift stores and collecting vintage toys and dolls.

She "had a passion for life and was always eagerly making plans for future endeavours," reads the obituary. "Her sense of humour never failed to put a smile on your face or bring tears to your eyes."

Jessica said her Katelyn's positive attitude remained throughout treatment. "She was very strong; she was like, 'this is temporary, I'm going to get better.'"

Katelyn was survived by her wife, sister and parents. Memorial donations in her memory were requested to go to Canadian Blood Services, the 10,000 Carrots Rabbits Rescue, or any animal rescue centre.

A physiotherapist with a Bridgewater gym, Jessica's established a team at her workplace who've set a goal of 25 blood donations in 2023. They're currently at the halfway point.

"One donation can help many people," she said. "It really is something that's quick, rewarding and it's something small that can make a difference."