Team Evie Foundation is gearing up for its annual Birthday Blood Drive at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Thursday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event celebrates what would have been Evelyn Swierczynski’s 21st birthday and honors her memory.
The foundation, established after Evelyn’s passing from acute myeloid leukemia in 2018, supports patients and caregivers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The blood drive aims to help meet the hospital’s monthly need for 2,000 units of blood products.
“Each donation helps two children @ChildrensLA,” the foundation said in a statement, emphasizing the critical nature of blood donations for pediatric patients. The organization encourages community members to sign up and “save a life” through their participation.
In addition to the blood drive, Vroman’s Bookstore is partnering with the foundation for a Fundraising Week from July 8 to July 14. A portion of proceeds from in-store and online purchases will benefit the Evelyn Swierczynski Foundation during this period.
For online purchases, visit https://www.vromansbookstore.com/shop-books. Customers should use the code “TEAMEVIE” at checkout.
In-store shoppers must present a physical voucher, available for download from https://drive.google.com/file/d/16AuglpZv2OyDku4mPCk8M14jisF0uSIT/view.
The foundation’s mission extends beyond blood drives. It has partnered with independently owned bookstores nationwide to donate over 4,000 books to CHLA’s Literally Healing Program, inspired by Evie’s love of reading during her treatment.
Evelyn Swierczynski was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on May 30, 2018. She underwent treatment at CHLA, including a bone marrow transplant on Sept. 13, 2018.
Her parents witnessed the challenges of childhood cancer treatment, including the need for constant blood and platelet transfusions. They also experienced the isolation and difficulties of extended hospital stays.
During her bone marrow transplant, Evie faced additional challenges. She was confined to a small unit due to infection risks, struggled with isolation, and had to adhere to strict dietary restrictions.
Evie passed away on Oct. 30, 2018, exactly five months after her initial diagnosis. The foundation was established to honor her memory and support other families facing similar challenges.
The Team Evie Foundation continues to organize events like the annual holiday book drive and bi-annual blood and bone marrow drives. Their first book drive collected 1,000 books for CHLA, setting the stage for their ongoing efforts to provide comfort and resources to patients and families at the hospital.
For more information, visit https://www.teameviefoundation.com/.
