October 17 was a very special day at VFW Post 1616 in Williamstown, New Jersey. Little Ellie Moon was celebrating her 4^th birthday during a blood drive being held in her honor. Friends and family members turned out to donate blood to help raise awareness of childhood cancer and the importance of blood donations for patients like Ellie.

Ellie is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a disease that causes bone marrow to overproduce a type of white blood cells called lymphoblasts. These abnormal calls are unable to function properly, and they can build up and crowd out healthy cells. Ellie has been the recipient of numerous blood products during her battle. According to her mother, Nicole Martorano, Ellie has had at least 10 blood transfusions as part of her treatment to help her fight cancer.

“Ellie is a warrior,” said Nicole. “She is such a fun-loving, kind and happy child who is also quite strong as she fights to conquer cancer.”

High school student Thomas Fields attended the drive with his mother to donate blood for the first time. When informed how the blood drive was in honor of young Ellie Moon, he seemed to have a different outlook about his donation.

“I was here to donate blood as part of community service with our Honors Society,” said 16-year-old Thomas. “But wow, learning how my blood can help this little girl and others like her is quite meaningful. I’ll be back to donate again!”

First-time blood donors at the drive also included newlyweds Chris and Lisa Pirri; close friends of Ellie’s family who were married the week before. Ellie was the flower girl at their wedding ceremony and they were happy to be able to donate their blood in Ellie’s honor. Chris’ mom Tina, who was up from Florida for the wedding, decided to stay in New Jersey the extra week to donate blood as well.

Ellie enjoyed cupcakes with her sister and birthday gifts and greetings from friends and family members while both mom and dad donated blood.

“I’m so grateful to the Red Cross, the VFW and all who are supporting this blood drive,” Nicole added. “It’s important for people to realize how significant their blood donation can be. It means everything to Ellie Moon and our family.”

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.