Candace Nayman Honoured at Blood Donation Drive

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, a blood donation drive was held in honour of Dr. Candace Nayman, a pediatric resident at McMaster University and doctor at McMaster Children’s hospital who died this summer. It would have been her 28^th birthday.

Co-hosted by McMaster University’s Department of Pediatrics, colleagues, and friends of Nayman came together to donate blood at the Ancaster Canadian Blood Services donor centre. Some were donating blood for the first time, while others were donating again in her honour.

Nayman donated blood 38-times before she passed away last summer. Because of her advocacy, Pediatrics resident Dr. Meagan Kaye, was inspired to donate for the first time.

“She always looked out for others and went above and beyond for other people while looking out for herself,” Kaye said.

“This is further exemplified by how often she donated blood and she encouraged her friends and colleagues to do so. It’s my first time donating today, so I feel honoured to do it on her birthday in honour of her.”

Dr. Tania Cellucci, who was donating for the second time in honour of Nayman, described her as a remarkable young woman who always had the right focus.

“She was so dedicated to looking after patients. So many of my patients and their families commented on how much they loved her,” Cellucci said.

“When she passed away, I was inspired to donate blood for the first time. Our pediatric rheumatology team donated together back in September, and then when this came up, we all booked an appointment to donate and just try to follow her example because she’s taught us probably even more than we ever taught her.”

With over 10 appointments booked by members of the Department of Pediatrics, organizer, Dr. Brittany Anne Howson-Jan expressed how thankful she was to those who donated on Nayman’s birthday, and throughout the week of January 9, 2023, as all blood donations will be dedicated in her honour.

“It’s so heartwarming to see multidisciplinary team members like nursing staff, social works staff, physicians, and trainees all coming in honour of Candace. It’s really evident to me what an impact she’s made, and I’m just honoured to recognize her legacy in this way. It’s really meaningful to see other people do the same.”

For anyone who would like to donate in Nayman’s honour, they can book an appointment anywhere in Canada at any time, during the week of Jan. 9.

To register and donate, please visit the Canadian Blood Services website here.