A legacy of giving: The Vanderburg family’s story of loss, hope, and lifelong service

By Haylee Winger
For Pat Vanderburg, giving has never been a single act—it has been a way of life. Rooted in her
family’s history, strengthened by personal tragedy, and carried forward by the next generation,
the Vanderburgs’ commitment to helping others continues to touch countless lives.
This December marks 12 years since the passing of Pat’s daughter, Karlee Vanberg, who died
on
December 24 at the age of 29. What began as a simple broken ankle turned into a series of
complications that left her in a coma for eight days. Despite the heartbreak that followed, Pat
says her family found a sense of purpose in making sure Karlee’s kindness lived on.
“It wasn’t the ending any of us wanted,” Pat shared, “but we donated her organs, and hopefully
she saved many lives.”
Karlee was known in Whitecourt as a talented and popular nail technician—someone who built
friendships as naturally as she created intricate designs. Her vibrant personality and the joy she
found in her work left a mark on everyone she met.
Yet long before loss shaped the Vanderburgs’ story, generosity had already been woven deeply
into
the family’s values. Pat explained that their parents, who grew up in the Netherlands during the
war years of 1940-45, were helped extensively by the Canadian Red Cross. After immigrating to
Canada in 1951, they made it a priority to give back. When the family settled in Whitecourt in
1960, Pat’s father spent years volunteering and organizing local blood donor clinics.
“When my brothers and I were able to donate blood, we followed their example,” Pat said.
That example has carried through decades. Pat’s brother George began donating blood and
plasma at 17 and has now surpassed 160 donations. Pat herself started giving whole blood at
age
18 and has since contributed both whole blood and plasma more than 175 times.
Her motivation is also deeply personal. “I had three transfusions in 1984 when Karlee was born,
and it was like being recharged,” she said. “This is my way of helping replenish the blood which
others need.”
The spirit of giving continues with their children as well. “Our kids carry on with making their
own donations on a regular basis,” Pat said proudly.

The Vanderburgs’ story underscores a reality that often goes unseen: blood and plasma
donations
save lives every single day. Hospitals rely on donors to support surgeries, trauma patients,
cancer
treatments, and those living with chronic illnesses. Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot
be manufactured. It must come from people willing to give.
Plasma is in growing demand. It is used to make life-sustaining therapies for patients with
immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and severe burns. Because plasma can be donated
every six days, frequent donors play an essential role in keeping supplies available.

Locally, the Rotary Club of Whitecourt supports this tradition of service by sponsoring and
volunteering at four blood donor clinics each year. Pat notes that plasma can be donated as
often as every six days, and she and her family frequently drive to Edmonton to do so. “We try
to go twice a month,” she said, “but it’s weather dependent.” The next blood donor clinic in
Whitecourt is scheduled for January 14, 2026.
Through hardship, history, and hope, the Vanderburg family has created a legacy that continues to
strengthen their community. Their message is simple but powerful: one act of giving can ripple
outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully see.