Media Contact:
Christine Welch, Regional Communications Director
Telephone: 909-374-0376
christine.welch@redcross.org
 

CHULA VISTA (August 4, 2026) — On Sunday, August 9, family and friends are hosting their seventh memorial blood drive to honor the life of South Bay native Dante Giancarlo Longo, a former California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) soccer player and recipient of the CSUSM Most Inspirational Player and Best Newcomer awards (2017-2018). The American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Chula Vista/Eastlake (870 District Place, Chula Vista).

Dante, who tragically passed away in 2022 at just 24 years old, was known not only for his athletic talent and infectious field presence but also for his unmatched strength, resilience, and determination. After surviving a devastating car accident and coma in 2018, Dante made a miraculous return to the field. This led to the creation of the “Dante Longo Iron Cougar Award,” now presented annually to the toughest player on the CSUSM men’s soccer team.  

Dante created Longo Strong Fitness in the early days of his recovery, which has since been reestablished in his memory as the Longo Strong Foundation, a non-profit created to promote physical fitness and activity, mental resilience, and community wellness for free. Towards this end, the first Dante Longo Memorial Gym was installed on September 21, 2025, at Portwood Plaza in Imperial Beach for the public to enjoy. 

In Memory of Dante Longo Blood Drive
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Springhill Suites by Marriott Chula Vista/Eastlake
870 District Place, Chula Vista
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

“Dante’s story reminds us of what it means to fight, to overcome, and to give back,” said Lisa Feldman, American Red Cross Blood Services Account Manager. “This blood drive is a way for the community to carry forward his legacy in the most meaningful way. Please join us.”

As a thank-you, those who come to give Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email.

This blood drive comes at a time when blood donations are critically needed. The American Red Cross has recently declared only the second national blood crisis in its history, and patients may already be feeling the impact. Blood donations have fallen to a four-

year summer low, worsening this summer’s emergency shortage. Just three more donors at each blood drive this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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