By Adam Donnelly

Kamloops family honours daughter’s memory with blood donor drive

Feb 19, 2018 | 3:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — Often when tragedy strikes, it can present an opportunity for some good to come of it. In the case of Hayleigh O’Brien’s death after a battle with ovarian cancer, her family is working to make a difference for those who need the life-saving gift of blood.

Hayleigh was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovaries in 2016 when she was just 30 years of age. She battled the disease for over a year, before passing away in last December. Her mother Holly Connell says the doctors had a difficult time treating Hayleigh’s cancer, as it was a relatively rare form of the disease.

“She was a fighter. She would have fought it had she not passed away when she did,” Connell said, of her daughter’s battle with cancer. “She was a wonderful person who loved to give to people and loved to make sure everyone was taken care of. She was just a very special girl, very passionate about helping other people.

That passion for helping people is the legacy Holly hopes to help build for her daughter. Hayleigh’s cousin Kelsey has helped organize a blood drive in memory of Hayleigh. Canadian Blood Services is hosting a donor clinic at the Calvary Community Church this weekend, where you can make a donation in Hayleigh’s honour.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: John Horgan had 'the gift'

23h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: New 'iconic' Kamloops tourist attraction in development

Nov 13, 2024

Question of the Week

Would you be inconvenienced by a postal strike?

Nov 12, 2024

If you plan on donating blood this weekend, or anytime in the future and want to do so in honour of Hayleigh O’Brien you can use her Partner for Life Legacy Number, which is HAYL 826577 at any blood donor clinic across Canada.