Family of 2-Year-Old Battling Cancer Sponsoring Blood Drive

Information provided by the Red Cross—

Delaney Newton’s battle with brain cancer has inspired her family to do what it can to help support others who are fighting for their lives in local hospitals.

[Related article: Livermore 2-Year-Old Battles Brain Cancer]

A little more than three months ago, 2-year-old Delaney was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just two days after that diagnosis, the Livermore toddler underwent 10 hours of brain surgery and has since received multiple blood transfusions and endured three rounds of chemotherapy – with three more increasingly aggressive rounds yet to come. 

After seeing the critical role that blood transfusions have played in the young girl’s 
treatment, Delaney’s family reached out to the American Red Cross with a desire to
sponsor a blood drive.
 
“This has been an eye-opening experience,” said Travis Newton, Delaney’s uncle. 
“There are people out there who gave blood that ended up helping Delaney and now we want to do our part to help other patients in need – in honor of Delaney.”

Based on the outpouring of support they have received from family, friends and the 
general public, the Newtons are expecting a big turnout. And so is the Red Cross, which has decided to allocate all of its resources in the East Bay to the blood drive.

“Bay Area residents have been moved by Delaney’s story,” said Jared Schultzman, 
communications manager for the Red Cross in Northern California. “This blood drive 
offers a wonderful opportunity for people to gather together in Delaney’s name and 
support local patients in need – many of whom need blood transfusions to live.”

That is exactly what the Newtons are hoping to accomplish.

“We are excited that we can help give back,” said Travis Newton, who has been 
working to promote the blood drive. “This is our chance to show everyone what a great community we live in and help save lives in the process.”

The Team Delaney Blood Drive will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1501 Hillcrest Avenue, Livermore) on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment to donate blood at the drive, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: DELANEY.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims 
of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Who: Newton family and the American Red Cross
When: Tuesday, December 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1501 Hillcrest Ave., Livermore)
How: To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: DELANEY.