Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) and CityLight Vineyard Church hosted the third annual Caleb Quick Hero Day community event and blood drive on September 27 at Newark Charter School in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The blood drive collected 44 units while bringing the community together for a day of activities and awareness.
The event was inspired by 11-year-old Caleb Quick, who has received three red cell and two platelet transfusions while battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In gratitude for the blood donors who helped support his care, Caleb and his family encourage others to give blood and help patients and families facing childhood cancer.
Since the first Hero Day, many community members have become recurring blood donors after making their first donation at the event. Caleb’s mother, Naomi Quick, and the family have also continued to organize blood drives with BBD and CityLight Vineyard Church as a way to give back and support other patients and families.
“As a family, we are committed to raising awareness for childhood cancer and connecting the community to the needs of children who are fighting for their lives,” Naomi said.
In addition to the blood drive, Hero Day featured a variety of community partners and activities, including the City of Newark, Newark Police Department, New Castle County Police, Delaware State Police, Philadelphia Phillies Ballgirls, Trilogy Salon, local sports mascots Rocky, Phang and Coaty, the Padua Academy Dance Team, Monarch Drumline, superheroes Spider-Man and Captain America, and nonprofit organizations Blood Cancer United, UDance, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and Live Like Lukas.