Arlington Heights Family Honors Daughter With Memorial Blood Drive

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Emily Holum was diagnosed at age four with acute myeloid leukemia. The Arlington Heights girl fought the illness for two years and her family estimates she received more than 500 blood transfusions during her treatment. These transfusions provided her with strength and additional time.

Arlington Heights will host the Emily Holum Memorial Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at Our Lady of the Wayside Gym, located at 435 S. Ridge.

Tom Holum, Emily's father, said those transfusions didn't just sustain her physically.

"Every time Emmy received blood, she felt better," Holum said. "It gave her good days — days where she could ride her bike, go to kindergarten and just be a kid."

Emily, affectionately known as "Mighty Mite" for her resilience, passed away at age six. Her family organizes this blood drive to ensure other families can experience the same gift of time.

Donors will receive a coupon for a pint of frozen custard from Culver's. Appointments are recommended for the blood drive, though walk-ins are also welcome. Individuals are advised to eat well, hydrate, and bring a valid ID before donating.

To schedule an appointment, community members can call 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org and use the code ORD0211C. For additional questions regarding the event, Kathy O'Neill can be contacted at parishnurse@olwparish.org. The blood drive aims to continue Emily's spirit of helping others.