Ironman for Life

This Father's Day, Marty Harrison and Dr. Mike Sawyer competed in the prestigious Ford Ironman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Their motivation to complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon in one day was to pay tribute to Harrison's late father, Syd.  Marty and Mike grew up together and recently reconnected and discovered their athletic interests were the same. Mike completed his first Ironman last fall and Marty sucessfully completed his first Ironman in honor of his late father.

Syd, Marty’s father, was a long time blood donor with Bonfils Blood Center. He had the universal donor blood type and also had special blood characteristics that are used to support premature babies, as they grow stronger. He was very dedicated to donating blood and always knew that the slight discomfort and small time commitment were more than worth it because of the benefit his blood would provide to others.

Syd joined Bonfils’ Ambassador Program in 2007 when he could no longer support the blood center through blood donations which he had done for 40 years. The longtime donor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and instead began sharing his story of how donations from more than 60 blood donors and two stem cell transplants helped him fight the blood cancer.
 
Syd appeared in several of Bonfils’ promotional materials and spoke at our Because Life Happens educational program as well as at Drive for Life X in an effort to encourage others to give the gift of life either by donating blood or by supporting the blood center with financial contributions. Syd surrendered to his illness on Dec. 30, 2008. We gratefully honor Syd for his longtime contributions to Bonfils and to the community.
 
 
Please consider making a donation to pay tribute to Syd Harrison and to support Bonfils Blood Center.