NEWARK, Del. – The community-based HERO DAY in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is scheduled to be hosted by CityLight Vineyard on Sunday, September 8 at Newark Charter School, from noon to 4 p.m.
Caleb Quick, a local 9-year-old, leukemia survivor, inspired his parents and the community to hold a blood drive on April 6, and the Hero Day Blood Drive on September 8 was also inspired by Caleb. He was a healthy, spunky, adventurous 5-year-old before he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August 2020. Since this most common form of childhood cancer affects the blood, the chemotherapy treatments designed to kill cancer cells also kill healthy blood cells. This makes lifesaving blood transfusions critical to prevent holds in treatment protocol while numbers recover.
Caleb received three units of packed red blood cells and two units of platelets during treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, where he received care from experts in the pediatric oncology field.
The inaugural Hero Day event will include ways everyone can join the fight against childhood cancer. There will be a Blood Bank of Delmarva Blood Drive, NMDP Registrations, a station where people can have their hair cut to donate to Children with Hair Loss (a 501c3 that provides human hair wigs free of charge to kids battling illness), and video and card creation stations so that attendees of all ages can leave a message of hope for a local children during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
In addition to raising awareness and practical support, there will be superhero fun for everyone, including superhero strength on the jousting inflatable, superhero face painting, and the ability to meet Spiderman and some of his friends. Attendees can also visit with local first responders, check out vehicles fit for a hero, sample sweet treats from local bakeries, and Ennis BBQ Food Truck will be on site with their delicious menu for sale. The Philly Phanatic will also be making an appearance from 12:30 – 1 p.m.
To sign up, call 888-8-BLOOD-8 or book online.