KAILUA-KONA — What started as a spark has fanned to flames as the community supports two women in their effort to stock the shelves of the local blood bank and improve trauma services in West Hawaii.
Named in memory of a lost loved one, the second annual Elvis Sheppard Blood Drive is set to kick off on the Fourth of July at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. It is a “Big Lebowski”-themed event and costumes are encouraged.
The blood drive will continue Thursday and Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stake center off Kalani Street in Kailua-Kona.
Maura Dolormente, director of public relations for the Blood Bank of Hawaii, said Wednesday’s event is anticipated to be the largest blood drive ever to occur on Hawaii Island.
“Every day, we need about 200 people to roll up their sleeves to collect blood for Hawaii’s needs,” Dolormente said. “They’ll be fulfilling that need in this one event.”
Jen Davis and Anne Broderson kicked off the inaugural Elvis Sheppard Blood Drive last July, three months after Sheppard’s death.
Sheppard was less than 30 days away from marrying Davis when he was hit by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle on Hina Lani Street. Broderson, a nurse at Kona Community Hospital, cared for the 43-year-old the night he died.
Broderson said 70 units of blood products were used that night to keep Sheppard alive. At one point, the hospital ran out of platelets and Broderson drove to Hilo in the middle of the night to obtain more blood products.
Unfortunately, Sheppard didn’t survive.
After his death, Davis and Broderson decided the best way to remember Sheppard’s memory was to help others. From that, the annual summer blood drive was started.
“I’m almost lucky that I get this outlet. We’re doing better because of this lesson learned,” Davis said.
Last year, the duo held a one-day drive at the LDS Church stake center where they collected 164 pints of blood and raised $2,600 for trauma services. Many were first-time blood donors.
This year, local businesses are contributing to the event, providing door prizes and items for silent auction. The Big Scrambowski golf tournament, which will take place Saturday at Kona County Club, will also help raise funds for the Kona Hospital Foundation.
“Everyone wants to get involved,” Broderson said. “It’s been easier than we ever could’ve imagined it could be.”
Davis agreed, adding the community has supported their efforts.
“Because other people have a need, people show up,” Davis said. “Elvis would do it for them and I’m just blown away constantly.”
Dolormente is in awe of Broderson and Davis.
“They took a tragic event and two women pulled it together,” she said of the upcoming blood drive. “You’re doing something so wonderful and amazing. What better way to do that than by celebrating life.”
Broderson said she and Davis make a “damn good team.”
“Between the two of us we have everything we need. We make a powerful duo,” she said.
Broderson added they’re focus is on education, equipment and training. They hope to also gather more regular blood donors so the island doesn’t have shortages.
“We need to find ways to be sustainable,” she said. “There’s no reason why our little town of Kona can’t do big things.”
Davis said she and Broderson have made a pact to run the annual blood drive for the rest of their lives.
“Giving your life force for others, it’s the epitome of beauty and love,” she said.
To book an appointment to give blood on any of the three days, call 326-7836 or email heart@islandcpr.com.
