11-year-old Michael DiMaggio was severely injured in October 2014 when he was struck by a car while walking home from school. He suffered life threatening injuries and required seven blood transfusions within the first 72 hours of the accident. Through Michael’s strength, combined with the support and love of community, family, and lifesaving blood from volunteer blood donors, he made a miraculous recovery.
When Michael was in the hospital, everyone wanted to help. The DiMaggio family simply asked: “Please donate blood,” knowing firsthand how other patients in critical need of blood like Michael would benefit from the gift.
The community was inspired to start the “Stay Strong Michael” American Red Cross Blood Drive. To date, the drive has collected over 500 pints of blood over the last six years.
Every year, we kick off the holiday season and bring the community together to give blood in honor of Michael and all those in need. This year, we are taking the drive national through the virtual American Red Cross Sleeves Up campaign. Please join us and pledge to donate blood at a local drive in your area. Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives.
Thank you for your support!
Please watch this video:
Challenge your friends (or anyone for that matter) to a friendly competition! Who will win the battle to do the most social good for your community?
Put your virtual blood drive campaign against one or even multiple other campaigns to see who can recruit more blood donors for the American Red Cross.
