EARLEVILLE, MD – The seventh annual Maverick’s Heroes Blood Drive brought the community together on Saturday, September 6 at the Hacks Point Fire Company, echoing the spirit of the inaugural event. 49 scheduled donors were joined by 17 walk-ins.
This year’s theme of “Maverick Soaring into Seven” celebrated his seventh birthday –and the numbers reflected that success: 55 whole blood donations and eight double red cell donations, totaling 71 lifesaving units collected.
Shane Simmons and Jason Painter, Maverick’s parents and blood drive coordinators, said the turnout reaffirmed the event’s enduring energy and purpose.
Maverick Ford Painter, the only surviving triplet born on September 3, 2018, received eight red cell transfusions during NICU stays at ChristianaCare and Nemours. That experience inspired Maverick’s parents’ dedication to the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s mission.
“The truth is without blood donors we would not have our son with us today,” said Maverick’s mother, Shane Simmons. “Maverick was born prematurely at 25 weeks along with his sister, Vivian, and brother, Maddux on September 3, 2018. Maverick was born at 1:10 am, and my best friend came into this world. The strongest person I will ever know, with the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.
“This time will always be filled with happiness for everything he has done, while also so much grief for what should have been. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss Vivian and Maddux, while also being so thankful that we have Maverick,” Shane added. “Because of blood donors, we got to take our son home. If he can’t encourage you, I don’t know what will.”
Per tradition, Jason Painter donated double red cells with a Monster energy drink in hand. Shane donated for the first time after years of encouraging others to give; her mother, Kathleen Simmons, also donated, following Maverick’s other grandmother, Bobbi Edwards, who traditionally donates first. Maverick’s big sister Hailey Boulden also signed up to donate, bringing first-time donors Tucker Rando and Alyssa Dill with her.
Maverick’s birthday celebrations will continue with Terumo Cardiovascular Systems’ fall blood drive on September 11, where Jason’s colleagues will also honor him by donating.
Maverick’s blood drive by the numbers
Year Units
2019 115
2020 106
2021 85
2022 72
2023 62
2024 65
2025 71
