Edmonton Elks and Mike Beaudry team up to save lives through stem cell and blood donation

Group photo with Edmonton Elks coaching staff and quarterback
Elks Group Photo: Edmonton Elks coaching staff and quarterback, Mike Beaudry, with donor centre staff, fans, and Elks mascot, Punter. 

On Aug. 29, 2022, Canadian Football League team, the Edmonton Elks, rallied players and staff alike to join Canada’s Lifeline by promoting blood and stem cell donation. This important cause hits close to home as Elks quarterback Mike Beaudry is a stem cell donor. Just four years after joining the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry, he was contacted to help save the life of someone diagnosed with lymphoma. 

Without hesitation, Mike said “Yes.”

Shortly after donating his stem cells, his sister was tragically diagnosed with leukemia. She would also need a stem cell transplant. In her case, her match was an unrelated donor from the registry. There are more than 900 people in Canada with similar stories. They are waiting for a stem cell transplant and for many, it is the last option of treatment.

Beaudry and Elks fan
Edmonton Elks player and stem cell donor, Mike Beaudry, pictured with a long-time Elks fan and blood donor. 

Since Mike’s donation, the Elks’ Partners for Life team has supported Canadian patients three times, with 25 members donating blood. They also build awareness and encourage their fan base to join them in saving lives! 

The Elks have been an incredible joy to have in the donor centre as they kindly provide Elks gear and their mascots, Punter and Spike, take photos with donors, volunteers, and staff.

We are so happy to have them on board as Partners for Life and are very grateful for the vital role they play in Canada’s Lifeline. Go Elks!