The Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association will host another Get Swabbed event in Chatham-Kent to help find Stem Cell matches for Canadians in need.
The event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at the Thames Campus TSI Alcove at St. Clair College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Chatham-Kent's Hunter family.
The Hunter family is taking part in honour of Ethan, 17, who was diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia in 2022 and wasn't given much hope for his chances of survival. The teen found a Stem Cell match thanks to a similar event.
Ethan's mother, Shara, will be attending Tuesday's event, which she calls crucial.
"It means the difference between life and death," she said.
For Ethan, who was at one time told he likely wouldn't survive, someone's generous donation has changed the course of his life.
"A long road of recovery is underway quite nicely, and will take the better part of the next few years," his mother shared. "But with hope and determination, willpower, and the gift given through donation, he will prevail."
After several years in hospital, Ethan is now at home continuing his rehab and working to graduate. His mother explained that he is taking courses online.
"He fights each day to be better than the last," Shara added.
Chatham-Kent residents, aged 17 to 35, are encouraged to come out and get swabbed, and according to organizers, potentially change a life the way Ethan's was changed.
