After receiving stem cell transplants of their own, two Canadian Blood Services recipients jumped at the opportunity to give back during the Regina Pats game on Sunday.
Canada Life invited Lincoln Honoway, 7, and Vonn Chorneyko, 10, to shoot for the chance to have a $500 donation made to Canadian Blood Services in each of their names.
The two boys always knew about each other, but it was the first time they met.
“The boys were having a great time, doing boy things and shooting pucks. It was really fun,” said Ashley Chorneyko, Vonn’s mother.
Lincoln made the shot from centre ice. Vonn missed, but still had a $250 donation made in his name. Together, $750 was donated.
“Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood,” said Jeff Macoun, Canada Life president and chief operating officer, Canada.
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Canadian Blood Services and at the same time, offer these young people a chance to make a meaningful contribution to a cause they care about so deeply.”
Lincoln received a stem cell transplant at four years old after being diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia – a condition that happens when the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
Vonn received one this past summer after he was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia – a DNA-repair disease that could lead to bone marrow failure, leukemia, and/or solid tumours.
“That was Vonn’s first day out without a mask since his transplant. He just got the go-ahead to take it off, so it was an extra special day for us,” Chorneyko said.
On Monday, Vonn went back to school for the first time since the end of May 2019.
“That was pretty exciting for us. He was nervous, excited, New Year and a new start for him.”
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