Kauaʻi mother pleas for blood donations after her son’s shark attack highlights critical need

After off-duty lifeguard Chance Swanson was seriously injured in a shark attack on Kauai’s North Shore in early November, he received 11 units of red blood cells and four units of plasma to save his life.

On Wednesday, his mother Rose Keaweamahi-Hoovler was at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaʻa to donate her own blood at the Blood Bank of Hawai’i’s three-day community drive.

She also urged others to donate the gift of life.

“You just never know what can happen to you or your family or your friends,” Keaweamahi-Hoovler said. “Accidents could happen to anyone, and by donating, you are saving many lives.”

Swanson was attacked by a shark while surfing in Hanalei on Nov. 5 and was air-lifted to Oʻahu.

Keaweamahi-Hoovler said the family spent Thanksgiving in Honolulu, where Swanson woke up and “got out of bed by himself, with the help of a walker, but his leg is still pretty mangled.”

On Dec. 1, Swanson and his mother returned to Kauaʻi. “It’s been tough,” she admitted, “but you know he’s home, he’s alive.”

After their arduous journey, Keaweamahi-Hoovler said it was her kuleana (responsibility) to give back: “I just want to, you know, support the blood bank, because of people donating and caring, that’s why my son is alive today.”

Līhu’e resident and first-time blood donor Byron James Rualizo was surprised to learn that his O+ blood type is the most sought-after due to its high demand. O+ is the most transfused blood type and is crucial in the emergency room for trauma, because it is compatible with all positive types, including A+, B+, O+ and AB+.

“I wasn’t aware of that,” Rualizo said. “That’s pretty cool.”

As a law enforcement officer, he explained that he witnesses firsthand the importance of maintaining adequate blood flow. He added that the “love for his community” prompted him to step up and donate this holiday season.

“We’re entering the time of year where donations typically tend to drop because schools go on break for the holidays, people are traveling, maybe donating blood is not at the top of their priority list for their vacation time,” said Sarah Murdock, a representative with Blood Bank of Hawai’i.

“But the need for blood never stops. In fact, sometimes we need more during the holidays because more people are on the road, leading to more crashes.”

To donate blood, check out the requirements on the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi website.

Murdock said the Blood Bank of Hawai’i and its donors were glad to be a small part of Swanson’s recovery from the shark bite: “It’s just a perfect example of the importance of having a reliable blood supply because we never know when a trauma case like that is going to happen. We’re just very happy that he is OK and the family is able to enter the holidays recovering.”

Keaweamahi-Hoovler added: “It’s a huge thank you to all the loyal donors, wishing them nothing but blessings for saving my son and so many people. Keep it up because it’s amazing.”

Residents interested in learning more can click here. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code above or call 808-848-4770.