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A Mother's Unwavering Love: Transforming Grief into Hope
The heart-wrenching loss of a child can drive some individuals to despair, while for others, it can spawn an unstoppable determination to create positive change. Paule Seeger, a Kelowna mother, embodies the latter, channeling her grief over the tragic death of her son Tristan into a powerful mission aimed at increasing plasma and blood donations.
On the second anniversary of Tristan's untimely passing, Paule finds herself once again in a donation chair, but this time, she’s accompanied by a community eager to honor his memory and support the life-saving capacity of plasma donation. "I’m donating in the memory of Tristan," she expressed. "That’s what keeps him alive for us." Her journey, marked by immense loss, reflects not only her sorrow but her hope that others can find healing through service.
The Gift of Time: How Plasma Donations Impacted a Family's Farewell
Paule's heart-wrenching experience was deeply influenced by the power of plasma donation during Tristan’s final hours. After a devastating hit-and-run incident on October 21, 2023, that left him critically injured, plasma donations enabled doctors at Kelowna General Hospital to stabilize Tristan’s condition long enough for family and friends to say goodbye. "The plasma gave us precious time," said Seeger. "It allowed us to gather as a family, to say our goodbyes in the most beautiful way possible. It changed everything." This poignant testament underscores the profound impact that even a single donation can have.
Growing Need for Plasma: A Community Call to Action
The demand for plasma is not just a personal story; it reflects a growing need across Canada. As noted by Canadian Blood Services, "We need to double our plasma collection in the next five years." Plasma, which constitutes more than half of human blood volume, plays an essential role in treating life-threatening conditions. With awareness of this growing need, Paule is determined to inspire others to become donors, urging them that contributions made in Tristan's name can save lives.
Community Support: Coming Together in Memory of Tristan
To honor her son, Paule hosts an annual plasma drive, inviting new donors to join what she calls "Tristan’s Partners in Life Team." This year, alongside the donation drives scheduled at the Canadian Blood Services location at Orchard Park Shopping Centre, an anniversary event at Ben Lee Park will feature live music, food trucks, and opportunities for community members to register as blood, plasma, and stem cell donors. Seeger remarks, "Every donation you make throughout the year counts in his memory." This outreach not only honors Tristan but also educates the public on the critical need for plasma donations.
A Wider Impact: What the Community Can Learn
Paule's mission reflects broader themes of empathy, community involvement, and the importance of taking action in times of sorrow. By transforming her pain into a purpose, she not only keeps her son's memory alive but also fosters a community spirit that can lead to significant change. As we witness individuals like Paule turning personal tragedy into a collective benefit, it serves as a reminder that we can all contribute positively to the lives of others.
Emotional Reflections and Looking Ahead
As the anniversary of Tristan's death approaches, Paule acknowledges the emotional toll of these remembrances. "It's really exhausting missing my son every day," she confesses, yet her resolve remains unshaken. Every donation signifies hope and connection, turning mourning into action. For those in the Kelowna area and beyond, embracing this opportunity to participate in the plasma drive can heal not only Paule but also countless others who might require these vital donations.
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