By Volunteer Julia Zauner

When five-year-old Callen "Cal" McDonnell needs blood or platelets during his leukemia treatment, volunteer blood donors make it possible for him to keep fighting.

On July 22, the American Red Cross hosted the Be a Hero for Super Cal blood drive at the Elks Lodge in Deptford, New Jersey, in honor of Cal—a real-life superhero courageously battling leukemia for the second time. Nearly 60 units were collected from donors at the drive, including family, friends and community members who rolled up their sleeves to help ensure patients like Cal have access to lifesaving blood products.

"Today means so much to me and my family," said Cal's mother, Tori Sarlo. "It is an opportunity for people to come here to change someone's story, to change someone's life, and all it takes is ten minutes. It is the easiest thing you can do to save a life."

Cal was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2023 and relapsed earlier this year. Throughout his treatment, he has relied on frequent blood and platelet transfusions as part of his chemotherapy. In a remarkable act of love, his younger sister, Cora, became his bone marrow donor earlier this year. Now, two months after his transplant, Cal is thriving.

Despite everything he has endured, Cal's energy and optimism remain unstoppable. He loves sports—especially cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia 76ers—and nothing means more to him than spending time with his sisters, Cora and Cleo. His courage, resilience and joyful spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.

^{_{"My kids are inspiring others to save lives," said Tori. "My daughter saved my son's life, and my son has beaten cancer twice."}}

The blood drive came at a critical time. The Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation's blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June. Although generous donors have stepped forward to help, donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand. Patients facing cancer, traumatic injuries, surgeries and chronic illnesses depend on a stable blood supply every day.

Community blood drives like Be a Hero for Super Cal help raise awareness while giving people a simple way to make a lifesaving difference.

"Seeing the community come together at the blood drive is inspiring," said Tori. "Thank you for giving my son another chance to be a kid."

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Every day, volunteer blood donors help give patients like Cal hope for another birthday, another holiday and another chance to simply be a kid. If you've never donated before, or if it's been a while since your last donation, now is the time to help.

Learn more and schedule your next blood or platelet donation by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).