Parents Heal Their Hearts By Hosting 'Jimmy Esch Blood Drive' In Son's Memory

ALSIP, IL—To Terri and Sonny Esch, their son, Jimmy, was the strongest guy they knew. Jimmy, who faced a lifetime of medical challenges, died of renal failure in 2019. He was 27.

Supported by the Community Blood Center, the Jimmy Esch Blood Drive will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25. The blood drive will be held at Worth Township Center, 11601 S. Pulaski Road (116th Street and Pulaski Road), Alsip.

Jimmy grew up in Alsip, where he lived with his parents and three siblings. He waited six years for a kidney transplant at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. During that time, he received numerous blood transfusions. While the surgery went great, Jimmy contracted an adenovirus common in organ transplant patients. He died of adenovirus complications from his kidney transplant.

His family is paying it forward by holding a blood drive to help give the gift of life and hope and to spread kindness through the community in their son’s memory.

“I am part of the club no one wants to join,” Terri said. “There is no loss more profound than that of a child. Hosting Jimmy’s annual memorial blood drive helps heal my heart. Jimmy’s blood drive is incredibly important to our family, our community, and especially to me, Jimmy’s mom.”

Despite Jimmy's many health and developmental challenges, people described him as “pure joy.” Jimmy was a loyal Cubs, Bulls and Bear fan, and loved watching “Dancing With the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

“Jimmy was the sweetest boy and full of pure love. He has been through sooooo much that most people can’t endure, and that just shows how much incredible strength dear Jimmy had,” read a condolence message from a family friend in 2019.

Terri and Sonny have set a goal of 130 donors for their son’s memorial blood drive. The Jimmy Esch Blood Drive is part of the blood center’s “Summer Tour For All Types” campaign, which highlights the urgent need for blood donations during the summer months.

Donors can reserve a time to make a blood donation online or by calling 800-280-4102. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on availability. Be sure to hydrate before donating and bring your photo ID. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. One pint of blood can save three lives.

After donating, walk across 116th Place to the Esch home, for a complimentary breakfast and lunch, as well as good conversation.

CBC hosts more than 100 blood drives every month in the Chicago area. The Community Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers and Blood Centers of America, which are networks of independent community-based, not-for-profit blood centers supporting the blood needs for approximately 60 percent of the United States.