Tamara and her husband, Derrick, donating blood in honour of their daughter, Gillian.
Photos by Ryan Wilson IWK
In May IWK Health hosted Canadian Blood Services for a blood clinic inspired by the outpouring of support shown to IWK staff member Tamara Boyd and her family following the loss of her daughter, Gillian.
In the days after Gillian’s death in February 2026, many IWK staff began donating blood in support of Tamara and sharing photos of their donations with her online. That collective response helped spark the idea of bringing a Canadian Blood Services clinic on site at IWK Health’s main campus.
As Julie Mitchell, manager, Policy & Nursing Enhancements, noted, “Although this was Tamara’s story, it is not unique only to her. Many employees, physicians, volunteers, researchers, and patients and families have someone they wish to donate for. We wanted to make it possible to give the gift of blood again and get Canadian Blood Services back on site at IWK Health.”
She added, “In true IWK fashion, you pull folks together to bring something exciting to fruition.” While the logistics may appear straightforward, she emphasized the clinic was made possible through collaboration between Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness, Information & Communications Technology, Clinical Support & System Integration, Communications, Engagement & Change, and Canadian Blood Services.
Gillian passed away following a tragic accident involving polytrauma injuries. In the hours and days that followed, she required massive blood transfusions to save her life on the evening of the accident, and continued to need multiple transfusions daily during her 10-day stay in the intensive care unit.
For Tamara, both as a nurse and as a parent, the experience underscored the critical, life-saving importance of blood donation.
“I’ve lived this as a nurse, but it is even more impactful seeing your loved one in need,” says Tamara. “When loved ones and colleagues asked how they could help us, the only thing I could think of was to donate blood. It really warmed our hearts in the days after her death to see people tag me in pictures of them donating blood.”
The clinic had a goal of 72 donations for the day and exceeded that target, with 80 donations collected.
Gillian is remembered as a gentle and deeply empathetic person. She carried a quiet kindness that was evident in how she moved through the world, in her attentiveness to others, and in the way she showed up for people who needed support. She was appreciative of life’s small moments and generous in how she gave of herself.
She found peace in the water, and throughout her life turned to the outdoors and journalling as ways to reflect and find grounding. Friends describe her as steady, loyal and generous with her time. She celebrated joy fully with those she loved, and remained a consistent source of support through difficult moments.
Gillian’s love was wholehearted—steady, compassionate and enduring. That love continues to be her legacy.
A sincere thank you to all who showed up for the clinic. We hope it was a meaningful experience and that participants were able to honour someone in their own special circle.
Canada observes National Blood Donor Week every June, culminating in World Blood Donor Day on June 14. Led by Canadian Blood Services, the week celebrates donors and raises awareness of the constant need for blood, plasma, and stem cells across the country.
To join the community of generous donors in this country, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca, or call 1 888 2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) and book an appointment today.