Mike's Holiday in Grand Marais sponsoring blood drive to honor daughter who wants to give back
Feb 21, 2023 09:52AM ● By Content Editor
Payton cuddling one of her four dogs - Photo submitted
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 21, 2023
Giving back to others may not always be on the minds of 13-year-olds, but for Payton Quaife, it is.
In 2022, Payton was diagnosed with ITP, which stands for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly destroys blood platelets. In Payton's case, there is no known cure.
Courtney Quaife, Payton's mom, told Boreal Community Media that Payton has received several treatments "made up of blood products" since her diagnosis, and wanted to do something for those who may need lifesaving blood or blood products as she did.
Courtney and Payton, along with husband/dad Tim Quaife (owners of Mike's Holiday), decided that hosting a local blood drive could be a great opportunity for the family and community members to help make a difference.
For the blood drive, the family has a goal of getting 66 people to donate blood.
"66 people matches how many donors it would take to replace what Payton has roughly used," Courtney said.
As an added bonus, those who give blood during the two-day blood drive have an opportunity to win courtside tickets to a Minnesota Timberwolves game.
Partnering with Memorial Blood Centers, and sponsored by Mike's Holiday, the blood drive will take place on Tuesday, March 21 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm, and Wednesday, March 22, from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. A Memorial Blood Center bus will be located at Mike's Holiday in Grand Marais (3 Highway 61, Grand Marais).
If you do decide to give blood, there are a few things to keep in mind:
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 21, 2023
Giving back to others may not always be on the minds of 13-year-olds, but for Payton Quaife, it is.
In 2022, Payton was diagnosed with ITP, which stands for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly destroys blood platelets. In Payton's case, there is no known cure.
Courtney Quaife, Payton's mom, told Boreal Community Media that Payton has received several treatments "made up of blood products" since her diagnosis, and wanted to do something for those who may need lifesaving blood or blood products as she did.
Payton in the most recent rendition of Rudolph. Courtney said that "plays are her true passion and one of her favorite things to take part in". Photo submitted.
Courtney and Payton, along with husband/dad Tim Quaife (owners of Mike's Holiday), decided that hosting a local blood drive could be a great opportunity for the family and community members to help make a difference.
For the blood drive, the family has a goal of getting 66 people to donate blood.
"66 people matches how many donors it would take to replace what Payton has roughly used," Courtney said.
As an added bonus, those who give blood during the two-day blood drive have an opportunity to win courtside tickets to a Minnesota Timberwolves game.
Partnering with Memorial Blood Centers, and sponsored by Mike's Holiday, the blood drive will take place on Tuesday, March 21 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm, and Wednesday, March 22, from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. A Memorial Blood Center bus will be located at Mike's Holiday in Grand Marais (3 Highway 61, Grand Marais).
If you do decide to give blood, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins beforehand
- Be well rested
- Make sure you are hydrating
For more tips on a successful donation, visit the Memorial Blood Center site here: https://www.mbc.org/donate-blood/about-blood/4-easy-steps-donation/
Additionally, here's what to know before you go: https://www.mbc.org/donate-blood/about-blood/4-easy-steps-donation/
If you're not able to make it to this event, Courtney shares that you can still find a blood drive in your area (find a location here).
"Blood products are so critical to many people’s survival stories and the supply is extremely low right now", she added.
To register for the local blood drive on March 21 or 22, contact Courtney at 218-370-1225 or [email protected].
