Blood and Bone Marrow Drive Set for 2-Year-Old Beau Dowling

CHICAGO, IL -- A large turnout is expected this Sunday at a blood drive for a child’s cancer battle. The blood drive is being sponsored by the 19th Ward Youth Foundation on behalf of 2-year-old Beau Dowling, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer last September.

The Battle for Beau Blood and Bone Marrow Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 21, in St. John Fisher School’s Kane Hall, 10200 S. Washtenaw Ave, which is being coordinated by LifeSource and Be the Match Registry.

Blood donors must be at least 18 years old (16 or 17 years old with signed parental consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good physical health. To avoid a significant wait time, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at Lifesource, which is running the blood drive. Use the code 869A, or call 877-543-3768. Be the Match will also be taking bone marrow registrations.

One of seven children, Beau completed a six week-round of stem-cell transplants and spent six days in intensive care. He is due soon to undergo another round of stem-cell transplants.

Keep up with Beau's progress on the Beau's Battle Buddies Facebook page.