RISING SUN, Md. – Like many 5-year-olds, Georgia Callis loves to dress up as a princess, pose for pictures, and run around playing with her big brother, Gavin.
Sure enough, she was close to her brother at the third annual In Honor of Georgia Callis Blood Drive held this autumn at the Rising Sun American Legion. Both were curious as their mother, Whitney Callis, rolled up her sleeve and donated blood herself at the blood drive she runs, as usual.
The annual event is deeply personal for Whitney, her husband David, and all of the Callis family. During her treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Georgia received nine red cell and five platelet transfusions. Whitney now coordinates the annual blood drive as a way to help other families facing similar experiences.
Not even a nor’easter could keep Georgia’s friends and family from coming out to save lives this autumn, donating a total of 31 units at the third annual blood drive held September 26. The event drew donors from across the community, including repeat donors like Ashley Farley and first-time donors like Addison Kelly, 16, and Brooke Taylor, 18. Addison was inspired by Georgia’s story, and Brooke tagged along with her boyfriend, Seth Spier, 20, who had signed up to double red cells. Addison, Brooke, and Seth are all members of Community Fire Company of Rising Sun, the same as David and Whitney Callis.
For Whitney, all the support shown at the In Honor of Georgia Blood Drive is a reflection of the place she calls home and a testament to how closeknit Cecil County, Maryland is. Through Georgia’s story, and the generosity of neighbors who roll up a sleeve, hope and healing reach far beyond one little girl in a princess dress.
Thankfully, in December 2025, Georgia rang the bell to mark the end of her intensive treatment at Nemours. Today, she’s back to doing the things she loves—dressing up like a princess, playing with her brother Gavin and taking the T-ball field.
Visit delmarvablood.org to learn how you can help save a life, too.