Kicking off the holiday season of giving, the community of Chatham once again rolled up their sleeves to donate blood at the 8th Annual Stay Strong Michael Red Cross Blood Drive at Chatham High School on Sunday, December 5, 2021. With a record number of appointments, the blood drive was the largest one yet.
“We have 108 appointments. It just goes to show you that something good can come out of bad,” said Nicole DiMaggio, one of five organizers.
Five local mothers have run this blood drive in honor of Michael DiMaggio, currently a college freshman. Michael was severely injured in October 2014 when he was struck by a car while walking home from school on a Main Street sidewalk in Chatham.
Michael suffered life-threatening injuries and required seven blood transfusions within the first 72 hours of the accident. According to his family, Michael’s strength and determination, coupled with the love and support he received, including lifesaving blood from volunteer blood donors, helped lead Michael to a miraculous recovery.
Michael’s mother Nicole DiMaggio, along with Michelle Clark, Melissa Fitzgerald, Marguerite White and Rosalinda Rubio-Williams organized the first annual Stay Strong Michael blood drive that year. The drive has been held every year since, collecting a total of 519 units of blood.
The drive brought out first-time donors like John Tolkin, a professional soccer player from the New York Red Bulls, who played soccer in Chatham alongside Michael. When asked what made him want to donate he said, “Partly Michael – Oh who am I kidding, all Michael.” A humble hometown celebrity, he spent time talking with Michael’s family and others, while holiday music played in the background. “I have healthy blood, how could I not donate?”
Most donors, like Michael Lemons, a member of the Chatham Volunteer Emergency Squad donated in honor of Michael and in support of the organizing moms. Other donors booked their regular appointments through redcrossblood.org or the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Paul Koph, a Morristown resident is embarking on a 7-gallon milestone. Both long-time donors, Lemons and Paul have spent time over the snack table talking about their experiences donating blood.
“I started donating blood when my girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer and needed blood transfusions,” said Kopf. Like others, the regular donor left the drive with a sense of satisfaction that their blood would help a patient in need.
The American Red Cross is always proud to partner with the moms of Chatham, especially during the holiday season, when blood donations are typically down. To share your good health and roll up your own sleeve, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass, to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.