1K people expected to donate at A Pint for Kim, Illinois' largest single-day blood drive

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois' largest single-day blood drive got underway on Saturday morning in Naperville.

Nearly 1,000 people were expected to roll up their sleeves at A Pint for Kim.

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"It's such a great community. People are so willing to give back for a good cause," said blood donor Ava Podkasik.

This is the blood drive's fifth year, and it is all in honor of Naperville resident Kimberly Sandford, who died in 2020 after being diagnosed with a very rare cancer.

Sandford suffered from chemo-induced anemia from her treatment and required over 40 blood transfusions in her final months.

Before Sandford died, she asked that a blood drive be held instead of a wake, and that effort has only grown over the years.

Kristyn Benedyk said Sandford, her sister, wanted to make sure others were taken care of, even in her final days.

"She was everybody's cheerleader, always telling everyone how proud she was," Benedyk said. "She wanted to have a blood drive instead of a wake, and over 500 people came, and we set the state record. And we're like, 'Well, I guess we have to keep doing this.'"

And it is that loving, selfless spirit that has made this blood drive the success it is now, bringing together hundreds of neighbors, friends and strangers each year.

In fact, just last year, more than 600 pints of blood were collected.

ABC7 spoke with Sandford's widower, Robert Sandford, who said the success of the blood drive is a testament to the community's generosity.

"She was a tough lady, but total sweetheart. Made friends everywhere she went," he said. "It's amazing. It's humbling. It really is neat to see the community rally around this."

Naperville North High School sophomore Luke Byram, 16, is a first-time donor. He said the nerves he felt before the prick pale in comparison to the satisfaction of knowing he has made a life-saving difference.

"Everybody wants to help and be part of the community," Byram said. "We all depend on each other, and this is a great example of it."

The blood drive took place at Naperville North High School at 899 North Mill Street. It ran from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event included live music, a raffle, food trucks, a car show and much more.

Selflessness was on full display, living out the legacy of Kimberly Sandford.