Blood Drive To Honor Memory Of Summit's 5-Year-Old Max Gottstein

SUMMIT, NJ — The Red Cross will once again host an inaugural blood drive honoring the memory of then 5-year-old Max Gottstein.

Gottstein was battling treatment-induced acute myeloid leukemia after years of fighting a rare eye cancer called retinoblastoma. Tragically, he lost his battle in August, just weeks before his sixth birthday.

Gottstein's family is asking the community to help honor Max’s memory by lending an arm to help patients like him. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in honor of Max on Wednesday, May 2 at the Wilson Primary Center, 14 Beekman Terrace in Summit.

Blood donation appointments are available between 2 to 8 p.m. To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code In Honor of Max.

"Max’s family understands the critical importance of donating blood, especially approaching the summer months when donation numbers decrease because of vacations and school breaks," the Red Cross wrote. "During his treatment, Max received many blood and platelet transfusions and two bone marrow transplants. Through it all, he remained a happy and imaginative boy, charming everyone he met and inspiring others with his ability to shine even on his darkest days."

(Image via Red Cross: Max Gottstein)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.