Lani Kai hosts blood drive/bone marrow search
The drive and search is on again.
Since 2007, Lani Kai Island Resort and the Conidaris family have hosted the Kenny Conidaris Beach Blood Drive/ Bone Marrow Search at the 1400 Estero Blvd. location. This time, the benefit will be held as an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 16.
Kenny, an Estero High School graduate and son of Ken and Kathy Conidaris, has a rare and life-threatening disease called severe aplastic anemia, which requires him to have blood work done monthly to monitor all his blood counts.
“We like to do the blood drive because we want to push the awareness, so people know how important donating blood is,” said Kathy.
Kenny, who will turn 18 years old on July 28, will be attending Edison State College with hopes to become an Emergency Medical Technician. He is currently in remission, though he could possibly need a transplant in the future to cure his disease once and for all.
“He is going to go into the EMT paramedic/ fire fighter program because he wants to give back to the community. That’s a really big thing for him. We’re thrilled, and he’s so excited to able to get into that medical field and help save lives,” said Kathy. “I’m so proud of him. He has come such a long way.”
Severe aplastic anemia puts victims at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding. It is a disease where the bone marrow stops making enough red and white blood cells and platelets for the body. The only treatment that can cure the disease, or manage it long term, is a bone marrow transplant.
To compound that, Kenny also has 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.
The annual Kenny Conidaris Beach Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Search at Lani Kai will again be a community drive with food, prizes and fun at this event. It is regarded as his five-year survival anniversary, according to his mom.
“This year, with the assistance from our sponsors, we will be having a drawing for a chance to win a golf cart and many other great prizes donated by our sponsors. Anyone who makes an attempt to donate blood and/or registers into the bone marrow registry will be allowed to enter into the contest,” said Kathy. “We have stays at SunStream properties, a weekend stay at the Lani Kai and many gift certificates from local restaurants and stores around town.”
Lani Kai officials have purchased the golf cart at wholesale cost from Golf & Electric Vehicles on Alico Road in Fort Myers.
Budweiser is the main sponsor for this year’s drive and search. Ameridry (billboard donations) is another large reputable sponsor and Florida Blood Centers (website YouTube) will be the blood bank for the event.
At least three bands and other entertainers will be donating their time and musical talents to the cause. A200, Tropical Breeze and Push will be playing on Lani Kai’s beachfront stage during the day. The Cincinnati Firemen will also be in town for a performance. There will be a sand sculptor, a hula-hoop contest, balloon toss and other games.
“My father-in-law (Lani Kai Owner Bob Conidaris) has really helped us with this whole event every year,” said Kathy. “Everybody should come out and donate and have a good time. It’ll be a big party on that day.”