Annual Michael DiMaggio Blood Drive This Sunday In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — The fourth annual Michael DiMaggio blood drive will be held this Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Chatham High School cafeteria.

The blood drive, organized by the American Red Cross, is held every year in honor of Chatham 9th grader Michael DiMaggio, who was hit by a car while walking on Main Street in 2014. He was severely injured in that accident, particularly to the growth plate in his left left.

DiMaggio suffered a broken collarbone and needed to have his left leg completely reconstructed after he was hit by a driver who became ill and veered off the road — hitting the sixth grader who was walking along the sidewalk.

However, DiMaggio is now a freshman at Chatham High School and his mother told TAP Into Chatham that he has made enormous progress in his recovery. He was a tri-captain on the freshman soccer team this fall.

"He also suffered significant muscle loss so strength training is part of his continuing rehabilitation," Nicole DiMaggio, his mother, told TAP Into. "He will also need a knee replacement in the future, but for now Michael continues to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day. He is a freshman at Chatham High School and just recently wrapped up his soccer season as a member of the CHS freshman soccer team, where he was named one of three tri-captains. He can often be found walking around town with his buddies; his infectious smile and positive attitude follow him everywhere. I view every day as a miracle with Michael. He has come so far and achieved so much. To see him on the field playing high school soccer, when we weren't sure if he would ever play again, is overwhelming."

To register: go to: www.redcrossblood.org and enter code: Stay Strong Michael