Every parent who loses a child wants them to be remembered, and Susan Malloy, of Shavertown, is ensuring her son’s legacy lasts forever.

Mark Malloy, Jr. passed away in 2015. He was 22 years old.

“I think everyone who knew him, loved him,” Susan said.

With the help of her family, Susan started an American Red Cross blood drive in memory of her son. In the eight years since Mark’s passing, the annual blood drive has collected more than 950 units of blood in his honor.

“When you lose a child, people tell you, ‘Whatever you need – call me,’ and every year when they show up, that’s them keeping their word to me,” Susan said.

Susan’s family and friends have helped grow the event, which takes place every September at the Dallas Middle School gymnasium, where Mark wrestled and created many childhood memories.

“It gives us a way to look forward to something because the anniversary of his passing is so hard,” Susan said. “This has become such a good way to help our community and I can’t see us not doing it.”

Aside from helping to collect blood donations, the annual event also raises funds for Red Cross disaster relief. The Mark Malloy annual blood drive has brought in more than $33,000 in donations to the Red Cross.

“It’s incredible how many people are being helped in Mark’s name,” Susan said. “Every year, the event keeps getting bigger.”

The 9th Annual Mark Malloy, Jr. blood drive will be held on Sept. 21, 2024, at Dallas Middle School. Schedule an appointment here.

To learn more about hosting a Red Cross blood drive in your community, visit RedCrossBlood.org/hostadrive.