Honoring their son and helping others has been an on-going mission for Paul and Marybeth Kupiec.
The Kupiec’s lost their son, Brandon in 2013.
Marybeth told me about one of the biggest fears of bereaved parents.
“Mary, a bereaved parent’s biggest fear is that their child will be forgotten, although Brandon is no longer with us, his friendship, kindness and legacy lives on through this event. Knowing he can still help others even after death gives us great peace.”
The Kupiec Family has made it their mission to keep Brandon’s memory alive. Each year they host a community blood drive along with ConnectLife and The Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company. Donating blood was important to Brandon. Since the age of 16, he’d been an avid donor.
Brandon was a healthy 20-year-old who suddenly, tragically and unexpectedly died in his sleep. The medical examiner told the family it was natural causes – although no definitive cause beyond that.
Through their heart-crushing pain, the family does this incredible thing. They save lives. Marybeth told me all about her wonderful son, Brandon.
“Brandon was amazing, he touched so many with his charisma, charm and kind heartedness. He had a smile that would melt your heart. He was working in the maintenance department at a local nursing home at the time of his death, (he had a genuine passion for the older population) while attending night school to obtain his engineering license. His goals included high pressure boilers and welding. He loved welding, he was pretty creative.”
He was a man who simply loved life. Loved living.
This is why the Kupiecs host this blood drive – in memory of their son who loved giving back and who will never – ever be forgotten. To date they have collected more than 700 pints of blood! Imagine all the lives they’ve saved.
So please, if you can take some time on August 5th and give some blood – it would mean the world to those who miss Brandon terribly. It won’t take long, could save a life – and will make you feel great.
Not to mention, if you haven’t heard, the need is great. According to ConnectLife, the need for blood donors continues as hundreds of blood drives have been cancelled since Covid started. Many businesses that regularly hosted blood
drives have their staff working from home still and the few high schools that host drives only have approximately 25% of their students in the building at a time. In addition, because Covid is not just a local problem, they have been unable
to supplement their blood supply with imports from other blood centers as they are concerned for their own blood supply. Currently there is an urgent need for blood donors with only a 2-3 day supply at any given time.
WHAT: Brandon R. Kupiec Memorial Blood Drive
WHEN: Thursday, August 5th from 1-7 pm.
WHERE: Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company, 3747 Shawnee Road, Sanborn, NY.
WHAT TO EXPECT:Â All donors receive a prize raffle calendar a coupon for a slice of Good Guys pizza along with a hot dog lunch/dinner at the drive.
There will be a Bake sale hosted by Brandon’s nieces 14, 13, and 9.
Appointments for this event are recommended but not necessary. To make an appointment – CLICK HERE.
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