The Story Of 16-Month-Old Harrison & How Your Blood Donations Mean Everything

They are words no parent ever wants to hear.

Last month, just before Christmas, Peterborough couple Shannon and Barrett McKinnon received devastating news. Their 16-month-old son, Harrison, had been diagnosed with lymphoma, and would need to begin chemotherapy treatment right away.

Shannon and Harrison

“We quickly learned that blood transfusions would become a routine part of keeping our son healthy between cycles of chemotherapy,” says Barrett.

Barrett with Harrison

Shannon says the experience she and her husband are going through with Harrison has made her much more aware than ever before of the importance of donating blood.

“We want to spread awareness so that others will benefit the way we have,” she says. “We owe so much already to the generosity and thoughtful foresight of blood donors."

Shannon and Barrett have come forward at this difficult time in their lives to share Harrison’s story with the community in the hopes they will take some time out of their day to attend upcoming blood clinics (listed below) being held by Canadian Blood Services in Harrison’s name.

“Donating blood is one of the best things we can do to help families battling cancers and a host of other disorders,” says Dr. Peter Hughes, Consultant Pediatrician with the Peterborough Clinic. “Blood is truly the gift of life and without it there would not be as many happy endings as we now see in childhood cancers and leukemia.”

The Clinics In Harrison's name will be held at 55 George Street on the following dates:

-> February 16 • 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
-> February 17 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-> February 18 • 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
-> February 19 • 8 a.m. to noon

Please share these dates on your social media channels, and consider donating on these days. And keep Harrison and others like him in your prayers. Your blood donations mean the everything to them.

To discover all the ways you can help save a life and to book an appointment, visit blood.ca.

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