Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LINDON, Utah (May 7, 2026) — Seven-year-old Quinn Danielson understands the importance of blood donation in a way no child should have to. During treatment for a rare, life-threatening childhood cancer, Quinn received 41 transfusions that helped keep him alive until a bone marrow donor was found. On Saturday, Quinn and his family are asking the community to give blood for other children battling cancer.
“Quinn is here today because strangers made the decision to give blood. They gave my son a future,” said Karen Danielson, Quinn’s mother. “Many families with young children battling cancer rely on the selfless blood donations from our community.”
The community can support Quinn and his family’s appeal by donating blood at the Fight Against Childhood Cancer blood drive on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lindon City Community Center, 25 N. Main St., Lindon. Appointments for the blood drive can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code fightcancer. Those who come to give May 1-17 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon for details.
Quinn’s Journey
Quinn was diagnosed at 5 years old with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that usually affects young children. This cancer forms in developing nerve tissue, often near the adrenal glands above the kidneys, but it can also begin in the neck, chest, abdomen or spine. Over 15 months, Quinn underwent five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, two bone marrow transplants, radiation and immunotherapy. His treatment also required 41 blood and platelet transfusions. Today, he’s been in remission for a year.
Blood Donations Support Cancer Patients
Patients like Quinn depend on blood transfusions during treatment for cancer, kidney disease, severe injuries from accidents, sickle cell disease and other serious medical conditions. Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply, which is more than patients fighting any other disease, as transfusions help replace blood or platelets affected by illness, chemotherapy and other treatments.
Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, understands the importance of blood donation firsthand. After a medical emergency required him to receive four units of blood, Donner said the experience changed how he views every donor appointment.
“I used to donate because I knew there was always a need for blood, and because it is the right thing to do,” Donner said. “When I needed a transfusion, four anonymous donors had already given blood. Because of them, the blood was there when I needed it.”
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.
