Lani Kai to host life-saving benefit
The fifth annual Kenny Conidaris Blood and Bone Marrow Drive is inching closer to becoming an all-day life-saving party and benefit on Saturday, July 31, at the Lani Kai Island Resort at 1400 Estero Blvd. The drive will begin at 9 a.m. and is expected to end at 4 p.m.
During the benefit, donors will enjoy special offers from the Lani Kai hosts, including food, beverages, prizes, commemorative T-shirts, giveaways, raffles and live entertainment from the Tropical Breeze Reggae Band.
“Kenny has been doing fabulous,” said Ken Conidaris, on his son, Kenny’s, condition. “Everything’s been going really, really good. He only goes up to Duke University about once every six months now, while still getting regular, local health treatments. We’re basically holding this year’s fund-raiser for the community, to help get blood counts up while people have a good time.”
Kenny Conidaris, a 17-year-old Estero High School student, will still be hoping for a bone marrow match at the Saturday event. If deciding to become a bone marrow donor, and to see if you’re a match for Kenny, the test is a simple and painless one a basic cotton swab on the inside of your mouth. After that, you’re in the bone marrow donor files for life.
For blood donations, it’s safe to donate once every three months. All blood donations collected will be stored with the Lee Memorial Health Systems operation keeping it all local.
“You save three lives with just one pint of blood donated,” Ken’s son, Kenny said. “Come out, have a great time, and save lives.”
For five years, Kenny Conidaris has been dealing with severe aplastic anemia, a disease where the bone marrow stops making enough red and white blood cells and platelets for the body. Recently he was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a disease that can stem from aplastic anemia and occurs when abnormal blood-forming stem cells produce red blood cells with a defective protective layer.
Lani Kai is planning a party atmosphere during the event.
“It’s always a nice party during our blood and bone marrow drives,” Ken said. “You’re definitely saving lives and being rewarded by coming here, with all of the giveaways, food and everything else. We sort of wine and dine you if you’re a donor that day.”
Free parking during the benefit will be available for those who donate blood or bone marrow.
“This is a whole family outing,” said Ken. “Come have a good time, donate, enjoy yourselves and enjoy the beach.”
For more information on the upcoming blood and bone marrow drive, call the Lani Kai Island Resort at 463-3111.
— Melissa Schneider contributed to this story