Jun 27, 2002 By Steve Ostrosky 2 min read

As a Clarksville woman awaits a kidney transplant to save her life, friends and family working hard to raise funds to help pay for expenses not covered by insurance are sponsoring a blood drive to help increase blood supplies in the region. The drive for the Central Blood Bank will be held in the Jefferson-Morgan High School gymnasium from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday to show support for Danielle Chulick Sawicky, 27, the daughter of Denny and Debbie Chulick of Clarksville.

Sawicky has end stage renal failure, which is a complete or near-complete failure of the kidneys to function properly and eliminate fluid and waste from the body. A routine blood pressure check in March prompted Sawicky to get more tests before her condition was diagnosed.

Earlier this month, a fund-raiser dinner/dance was held to help defray some of the medical costs, and almost $9,000 was raised, according to Theresa Boyle of Boyle’s Graphic Expressions, which set up a benefit fund for Sawicky. Additional donations have been made since then and other fund-raisers are planned.

The purpose of Friday’s blood drive is not to store blood for Sawicky, but to increase blood supplies that tend to decrease in the summer months, Boyle said.

“This blood could be used to help someone else who needs it now and hopefully people will donate when Danielle gets her transplant,” she said.

Boyle said that insurance pays for some treatments for Sawicky, but a medication that she will have to take before and after the transplant is expensive and not covered. She said the fund will help to pay for some of Sawicky’s out-of-pocket expenses and the medical bills that will be associated with the transplant.

In the meantime, Boyle said she is hopeful for a large turnout at the blood drive. At least 30 donors already have registered, and there is room for at least 30 more.

“Volunteers are welcome to donate, because we are always low on blood,” she said.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Potential donors are asked to call blood drive coordinator Donna Mylan at 724-880-1181 to schedule an appointment.

Anyone who wants to donate to the Danielle Chulick Sawicky Benefit Fund can mail a contribution in care of Hoyle’s Graphic Xpressions to 440 Main St., Clarksville, 15322, or to any branch of National City Bank.