HAVOC Society Automotive Club Raises Lymphoma Awareness

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – On Saturday April 16, 2022, the RAVAGED The company (Having a Variety of Cars) presented a car show with a bigger cause; a blood drive to raise awareness of lymphoma.

Lymphoma is a cancerous disease that can be fatal. It affects the lymph node system and the bone marrow. It can also impact other parts of the body. Treatment can be exhausting and expensive.

“The automotive community is quite large, so I thought I could get enough people to come and donate blood; go to a good cause,” said Jakarick Calais, President of HAVOC. Calais says he wants to use the automotive community for a bigger cause. His brother Sebastian Noel said: “It’s a popular thing in the community these days, especially for young people.”

The one person who inspired them to spread awareness about lymphoma was their mother, 48-year-old Twana Callais. The family say she was diagnosed last month and is receiving chemotherapy treatment and a blood transfusion once or twice a week. Christi Carmouche, nurse practitioner at St. Martin’s Hospital Community Health Clinic, said, “As we know, lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system and the blood. “It’s like cancer that you don’t hear much about,” Calais said.

“It means a lot and especially for the community to be more aware so that everyone can be aware of some of the common symptoms of lymphoma, including swollen lymph nodes and neck, armpits, fatigue, fever,” Carmouche said. .

Vitalant supported the replenishment blood drive. Donnelle Cormier, a paramedic with Ambulance acadienne, said: “It is very important for her (Twana) to be able to benefit from this supply order so that it helps her to get to where she will have what she needs. to go ahead with treatment and here. out.” “I’m just trying to save lives; it couldn’t be our family; it could be anyone. It’s an important cause,” Noel said.

The president says the automobile club has about 15 members. Many members of the club as well as the community donated blood. “It’s really great for the community to get out; give blood, especially with the pandemic. There have been blood shortages,” Carmouche said. “It’s almost like they have a bank of everything they need from time to time for treatments they’ll have in the future,” Cormier said.

The group says they would like to have more events like the blood drive and partner with other organizations to reach a wider audience.