Red Cross of Utah Blood Drive to Honor Memory of Salt Lake City Firefighter Kade Martin

Community encouraged to donate blood on Saturday at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building tohonor Kade’s legacy of service and support patients in need, including those battling cancer.

Media contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610

What: Firefighter Kade Martin Memorial Blood Drive
When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, 475 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

SALT LAKE CITY (January 7, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah, in partnership with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, invites the community to honor the life and legacy of Firefighter Kade Martin by donating blood at a memorial blood drive on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building.

Kade Martin, a Salt Lake City Fire Department firefighter since 2016, died on Nov. 12, 2025, after battling rare stage-four small cell lung cancer. He was 37. Throughout cancer treatment, patients like Kade often rely on blood and platelet transfusions to manage complications, support the immune system and endure aggressive therapies.

This blood drive is a way for the community to honor Martin’s service while helping others facing serious illnesses.

“Kade dedicated his life to protecting others, and this blood drive reflects that same spirit of service,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “We are honored to partner with the American Red Cross in Kade’s name to support this lifesaving effort. This event is both a tribute to his legacy and a meaningful way to help meet the ongoing need for blood in our community.”

Schedule Your Blood Donation in Kade’s Honor
Donating blood can make all the difference to people battling cancer. Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code KadeMartin to donate at Saturday’s drive in memory of Kade.

Blood Donations Are Critical for Cancer Patients
Patients undergoing cancer treatment often depend on blood and platelet transfusions to manage the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and the disease itself. Treatments can suppress the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, making transfusions essential to prevent complications, reduce fatigue and support recovery. For many cancer patients, access to a steady blood supply can mean the difference between continuing treatment or facing dangerous delays.

“Cancer patients rely on blood donors at every stage of treatment, sometimes receiving dozens of transfusions over the course of their care,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Blood drives like this one not only honor Kade Martin’s life and service, but also help ensure that patients fighting cancer today have the resources they need to keep going.”

Super Bowl LX Giveaway
Donors who give blood or platelets between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LX prize package. The winner will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to official pre-game events and the Super Bowl Experience, airfare, a three-night hotel stay from Feb. 6–9, 2026 and a $1,000 gift card to help cover expenses. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.

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 andthe 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.