Bone Marrow and Stem Cells
If Only There Had Been a Donor for Katie...
Katie was such a precious little girl. She loved to sing songs, make crafts and play games
with her brother and cousins. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) not long after
her second birthday. After treatment with chemotherapy, the Leukemia went into remission but it
eventually came back, just days before her third birthday. The only thing that could cure her of
this life threatening disease was a bone marrow transplant.
Tuesday, January 24th 2012
OneMatch Recipient Story - Dr. Abhijit Guha
This is Dr. Guha's story. Dr. Guha was the driving force behind increased South Asian participation in blood and stem cell donation. Sadly, he lost his battle with leukemia on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Dr. Guha was a respected community leader who fought courageously through his personal fight with leukemia to encourage all Canadian South Asians to make stem cell and blood donation a part of their civic responsibilities for all patients.
Tecumseh, Ontario Man Seeks Donor
A 54-year-old Tecumseh man finally celebrated Christmas with his family Saturday.
Ever since he was diagnosed last September with multiple myeloma - a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow - Jim Beneteau found his life reduced to a "slow pace" spiked with anxiety.
- Read the full story at The Windsor Star.
Tuesday, December 20th 2011
In Memory of Ken Roughton – Founding Board Member of Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association
Ken was a founding board member of the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association founded in July 2005 and has remained on the board to this day.
He played an important part in the early stages of the organization as a committee member of the Transplant Family Support Program. His input helped to formulate the principles and guidelines of the program and he was the liaison person for the program at the Windsor Cancer Clinic.
Ken strongly advocated for people to join the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network through his many connections in Windsor, Hamilton and Toronto. He also encouraged those eligible to donate blood as he knew the value of both of these gifts of life.
In 2006, Ken was instrumental in the production of a Wellness Brochure designed, published, printed, and distributed ( to over 23,000 households) by the Chrysler Wellness Committee. The 4-page brochure highlighted the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association , the pressing need for registration of potential bone marrow donors and a description of the process in becoming a donor.
On the fundraising front, Ken was the pivotal key in organizing and directing the proceeds from the John Fox Memorial Charity Golf Tournament to the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association. It was always a great day of golf, camaraderie and excellent food. Over a span of 4 years $20,000.00 was raised for our association. Ken supported and was present at all other fundraising events which included our Annual Bowl-a-thon « Throw a Strike for the Gift of Life » - so named by Ken and unanimously approved by the board!
For the past couple of years Ken’s health did not permit him to attend all board meetings; however, he always responded by e-mail and provided very valuable input and sage advice on all matters. He truly made a difference and made an impact in the lives of many.
Ken was a very affable man, kind hearted, sincere, soft spoken and caring. He was a man of integrity and extremely intelligent. We will miss him and our hearts are heavy with the loss of our dear friend. Rest peacefully Ken, and we know that you are now free from your pain and suffering and safe in the arms of Jesus.
Our most sincere condolences to Ken’s sons Brad, Ben and Matthew, his mother, sisters, and extended family members.
Bryan, Joanne, Rene and Melba Bedard
On behalf of the
Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association
- Read the full story at The Windsor Star.
Tuesday, November 1st 2011
Father Wages Bone Marrow Campaign in Daughter's Memory
November 1st marks the beginning of Bone Marrow Awareness Month and to help kick it off Universities across Ontario will be holding Get Swabbed University Challenges. More than 900 people across Canada are still searching for a bone marrow donor, last year more than 250 students registered at the University of Windsor and Bryan Bedard the father of Katelyn Bedard hopes to get 300 this year.
"First hand we experienced the tragedy of when there's not that matching person ... so we need to get more people registered and we'll save even more lives."
The University of Windsor event will be held on Tuesday at the CAW Student Centre, 401 Sunset Ave. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18th 2011
Canadian Blood Services Needs Blood Donations Now
Try their new online appointment booking system! It is so easy. Go to www.blood.ca to book your appointment today. Are you a blood donor and would like to help the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association?
Join our team and help us save lives! Give blood!
To join our team:
- Go to www.blood.ca/partnersforlife
- Click "Join Partners for Life"
- Click "Member"
- Click "Sign me up to donate with my team!"
- Complete the form and click "Submit"
Our Partner ID is : KATE007939
New donors can join our team after their 1st donation.
Wednesday, September 28th 2011
Summer Fundraising Success
Our summer fundraising events were a huge success again this year and we are truly thankful for all of the participants, volunteers and sponsors. We were blessed with beautiful weather at our outdoor events and we were left with memories of smiling faces and lots of laughs. Here is a recap of our summer fundraisers:
Day To Remember - June 4
The 8th annual golf tournament held at Wardsville Golf Club was a day of celebration to honour the lives of children who have lost their battle with cancer, those who are presently battling the disease and cancer survivors as well as other local children with life threatening illnesses. The morning started off overcast but the afternoon was full of sunshine with a high above 28 degrees. 116 people golfed 18 holes. 20 people came for supper only. Proceeds of the tournament to Camp Trillium and Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association. Our association received $7,100 in support of bone marrow transplant patients. Sincere thanks to Mike and Sandra Rombouts and the entire Day to Remember planning committee.
John Fox Memorial - July 23
In memory of a dear friend John Fox, the 10th annual golf tournament was held at Tilbury Public Course. More than 60 golfers enjoyed 18 challenging holes followed by a delicious rib and chicken dinner. Over $4,000 was raised for KBBMA at this event. Special thanks to Ken Roughton, Dennis Kelly and the entire John Fox Memorial planning committee.
Bowling for Bone Marrow - August 27
The 6th annual Bowling for Bone Marrow, "Throw a Strike for the Gift of Life" took place at Bowlero in Windsor and raised more than $22,000. More than 150 bowlers and volunteers were on hand to enjoy an afternoon of family fun with a magician, a clown, face painting, kid's games and lots of wonderful prizes. Thank you to everyone that came out and thank you to all of our generous sponsors:
Premier Sponsors
- National Bank Financial Group
- VIA Rail Canada
- Laura White – State Farm
- Scotiabank - Amy Croft Drive
- Avatar Software Creations Inc.
- Joan Gray
- JogTracker.com
Premier Sponsors
- Windsor East Kiwanis
- Diane Santing – Edward
- Jones
- Anthony Leardi, Barrister &
- Solicitor
- Nantais Source for Sports
- Windsor Pro Clean Services
- Ground Effects Ltd.
- In Memory of Anne Marie
- Souchereau
- In Memory of Marie Martin
- Sherdil Precision Inc.
- Gib & Arlene Williams
- L&H Diversified
- Manufacturing Inc.
- Medel Brothers Quality
- Meats & Deli
- In Memory of Paul Senay
- Alliance Windsor Insurance
- Brokers
- Cardinal Carter Catholic
- Secondary School
- Brad Bondy – Re/Max
- Preferred Realty
- Walmart 1072 Amherstburg
- Ravine Cottages
- Jeremie Bornais – K of C
- Insurance
- Ron Deneau – Bob Pedler
- Real Estate
- Knights of Columbus #2844
- – McGregor
- In Loving Memory Shelby
- Gagne
- Lacasse Printing
- Ted & Cindy Williams
- Ivanhoe Cambridge
- Meridian Credit Union
- In Memory of Hannah Young
- CAW Local 1973
- CAW Local 444
- Natalie’s Team
- Boodles of Baskets
- Bondy Insurance
- McGregor Squirettes of Mary
- Randy Barron CGA
- Gisele Sutton – Re/Max
- Preferred Realty
- T.J.’s Service Ltd. – Dean
- Bondy
- Jason Barron – K of C
- Insurance
- Mark’s Drapery Installations
- Chummettes Ladies
- Auxilliary
- St. Clair College Student
- Athletic Association
- St. Clair College Alumni
- Darryl & Paula Matthew
Prize Sponsors
- The Hungry Wolf Restaurant
- The Keg – Devonshire Mall
- Costco
- Debbie Simone – Avon
- Annette Martin
- Angela Williams
- Edythe Williams
- Willabee’s Clothing Store
- Montana’s
- Kelsey’s Walker Road
- La Rocca Italian Restaurant
- Cora Lakeshore
- Windsor Family Credit Union
- Sutton Creek Golf & Country Club
- Jason Barron – K of C Insurance
- Silver Stitch Embroidery
- Canadian Tire – Walker Road
- McGregor Home Hardware
- Ground Effects Ltd.
- Alliance Windsor Insurance
- Brokers
- Beth Churchmack
- Joan Gray
- Cathy Bondy and friends
Thursday, September 8th 2011
National Bank Charity Fun Run
The annual Charity Run is approaching, and the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association is again a competing charity and this year we are setting up our info table and children’s game area at the event.
Several charities will be represented at the event, and the charity that raises the most money receives additional cash prizes from the National Bank. So dust off the running shoes, do some stretching, and let the race begin!
Event Details:
- The 2011 Charity Challenge
- Sunday September 18, 2011
- Chrysler Building - Riverside Dr. & Ouellette Ave.
- Windsor, Ontario
- 9:00 AM
- Kid's Dash
- Kid's Kilometre
- 9:15 AM
- 8K Run
- 3K Run/Walk
- Download Pledge Form PDF
- Register Online at The Running Factory
Friday, July 8th 2011
Stem Cell Breakthrough Raises Hope Of Ending Hunt For Bone Marrow
Some exciting news was published in today's Globe and Mail:
It’s been a 50-year-old dream, and a 23-year hunt, but the immortal mother cell behind the billions of new blood cells humans make every day has at last been discovered – raising the possibility of growing a new blood system for any patient who needs it.
Scientists at Toronto’s University Health Network say they have finally captured the prized stem cell that endlessly replenishes human blood, a cell so powerful that one is enough to regenerate a human blood supply in a mouse.
Thursday, July 7th 2011
6 Year Old Raising Money For Sick Little Girl
Six-year-old Dmitri Rosescu holds up a photo of Emma Predinchuk, a Calgary baby waiting for a bone marrow transplant, in his home in Regina. He is drawing pictures and selling them to raise money for her.
Photograph by : Bryan Schlosser, Postmedia News
Tuesday, June 14th 2011
Swab Event
Tuesday, June 21 - 2 PM to 6 PM
Location: Season's Lakeshore
1700 County Road 22
Belle River, On
Each year, hundreds of Canadians are in need of stem cell transplants to treat potentially life-threatening illnesses. Fewer than 30% of patients will find a compatible donor from family member, 70% rely on the generosity of an unrelated donor for available sources of stem cells. Many unfortunately fall into this group and to survive, they must receive a stem cell transplant as do the more than 800 other patients in Canada.
Please join the registry.
Alice Pyne's "Bucket List" Goes Global
ago with her beloved pet labrador
Mabel, which features twice in her
‘bucket list’. Photo courtsy of
The Westmorland Gazette
Fifteen-year-old Alice Pyne who suffers from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has created her "bucket list" from her hospital bed. Among the 17 items listed she would like everyone to sign up to be a bone marrow donor.
Alice's hope has made its way to Parliament where MP John Woodcock spoke during Prime Minister's Question Time, "“At the top of the list is a call to make everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor, so we will work with the leader of the opposition to address why too few people are currently on this life-saving register?”
Monday, May 16th 2011
Get Swabbed!
Friday, May 20 - 9 AM to 2 PM
Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Get Swabbed Windsor!
Join the One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network and you could save a life!
The Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association will host a swab event outside the Augustus Ballroom at Caesars Windsor on Sunday, April 3rd from 7pm until 10pm. The swab event will be held in conjunction with the "Dancing With The Local Stars" event hosted by the Better World Today Association.
There are currently over 800 Canadians waiting for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. It is their only hope for survival and you could be the match they need.
Healthy adults between 17-50 can join. Bring your health card! It takes only 10 minutes to register.
This event is open to the general public, employees and guests of the Casino.
- For more information on joining the registry, visit www.onematch.ca.
- For more information on "Dancing With the Local Stars", visit www.bwta.ca.
Tuesday, March 15th 2011
Canada’s First National Cord Blank Bank is Funded
Ottawa - March 14, 2011 - Provincial and territorial ministries of health (except Québec) announced today a combined investment of $48 million over the next eight years, including $12.5 million in fundraising, to create a national public umbilical cord blood bank that will provide Canadian patients with greater access to cord blood units. This is a significant investment in a much needed national healthcare resource.
"We have long recognized the need for our own publicly-funded umbilical cord blood bank," says Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness Maureen MacDonald, on behalf of the provinces and territories. "This represents a substantial public investment today in life-saving treatments that will benefit Canadian patients and the country's healthcare system for the long term."
A national public solution is especially important for Canadian patients because of the country's ethnically diverse population. About 70 per cent of patients who require a stem cell transplant must look outside of their families for a match and have the best chance of finding it within their own ethnic group. A national, public umbilical cord blood bank will improve the chance of finding high-quality cord blood for Canadian patients.
The cord blood bank will be developed and managed by Canadian Blood Services, on behalf of the provinces and territories except Québec, which runs its own cord blood banking program through Héma-Québec. Canadian Blood Services was chosen to manage this project because of in-house expertise developed by its OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network and the organization's existing national presence and success as a trusted healthcare partner.
"Currently, more than 800 Canadian patients are in need of a blood stem cell transplant to help them combat life threatening diseases such as aplastic anaemia, leukemia, and other blood related and immune disorders," says Dr. Graham Sher, CEO Canadian Blood Services. "Umbilical cord blood is a high-quality source of stem cells and a national bank will create a long-term supply that will help reduce Canada's dependency on internationally sourced units."
This comprehensive national model will be implemented over eight years in order to achieve a target inventory of 20,000 cord blood units and will include two accredited cord blood stem cell labs and a collections network across Canada (except Québec).
This approval also includes a significant public fundraising campaign to be implemented by Canadian Blood Services over the next three years to raise $12.5 million of the investment. This campaign will begin immediately and will build on national support for a public cord blood bank.
Phase 1 of this project will take place in Ottawa over the next two years. It will develop and implement procedures required to achieve a national public umbilical cord blood bank. In addition, a cord blood stem cell laboratory will be established at Canadian Blood Services' facilities in Ottawa.
Parents in many Canadian communities will then have the opportunity to donate their children's umbilical cords anonymously to a public umbilical cord blood bank, making their donations available for any patient in need.
Phase 2 will see the project expand nationally to have collections of cord blood in Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton hospitals along with a second lab in Edmonton by 2016.
Cord blood has the advantage of producing less graft-versus-host disease in patients and more possible matching and improving the chances of finding matches for patients from ethnic minorities, patients who need a transplant immediately, or those patients with rare or unique HLA typing who cannot find a perfect match.
More press: