Blood Bank of Delmarva announced that the Give for Emily blood drive is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Independent School Management Inc. in partnership with Walgreens at 1313 N. Union Street, Wilmington.
Higgins, a 3-year-old, was hospitalized at Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children this past winter and diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
In addition to chemotherapy, Emily has received four blood transfusions, two platelet infusions and one fresh frozen plasma transfusion during her treatment, said her father, Fred Higgins.
“Anyone who has met Emily will tell you that she is a sweet, bright 3-year-old with a heart of gold,” Higgins said. “Unfortunately, her illness leaves her vulnerable to communicable disease. She cannot attend school or participate in many activities that she loves.
“We remain optimistic that Emily will lead a long and happy life,” he said. “She has responded well to her treatment. As Emily says, ‘I have cancer. But it’s ok, I take my chemo, and I’m going to get better.’”
Blood Bank Donor Recruiter Kristen Walsh worked with ISM as well as Walgreens to schedule this blood drive because many ISM employees frequent the neighboring Walgreens, where they learned of Emily’s plight.
That’s because Walgreens employee Gina Heitmann’s daughter goes to school with Emily at Holly Oak Child Care Center. That prompted Walsh to ask Fred and Jacqueline Higgins to allow BBD to hold this blood drive in Emily’s honor.
Walsh has been working with Heitmann and ISM Director of Operations Support Services Jenna Pingitore to coordinate this blood drive.
“We’re a family owned company and we’re always trying to do things in the community,” Pingitore said.
This blood drive has 30 appointments currently available. You can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 and use code ISM to register.
