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Brave Avon Resident's Cancer Fight Inspires Special Blood Drive

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 8:38 GMT by Patch
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Avon Residents Rally to Honor Cancer Survivor with Special Blood Drive

In a heart‑warming testament to community spirit and resilience, the town of Avon, Connecticut, is hosting a special blood drive that pays tribute to one of its own who has bravely fought a battle against cancer. The event, slated for this coming Sunday at the Avon Community Center, is organized by a coalition of local volunteers, civic leaders, and health‑care advocates who want to turn a personal triumph into a lifeline for others.

The Story Behind the Drive

At the center of the drive is Maryanne “Marnie” Keller, a lifelong Avon resident who was diagnosed with early‑stage leukemia last year. Her diagnosis came as a shock to her family and the small town she calls home, but Marnie’s unwavering optimism and determination turned a daunting prognosis into a story of hope. “I didn’t want to think about my future in that light,” Marnie told the Patch reporter. “I wanted to keep doing what I love, whether it was painting, gardening, or simply sharing a laugh with friends.”

Marnie’s journey has become a rallying point for Avon’s residents. A local community leader, James Ortiz, Mayor of Avon, said that her courage “reminds us all that when we unite, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.” The town’s decision to hold a blood drive in her honor is a tangible way to channel that inspiration into meaningful action.

What the Blood Drive Looks Like

Date & Time
The drive will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Avon Community Center (101 Main Street). Volunteers have secured a large stage for brief presentations, a donation booth staffed by trained nurses, and a refreshments area to thank donors for their generosity.

Who Can Donate
Open to all residents of Avon and the surrounding towns (including Brookfield and New Haven), the event welcomes anyone who is physically healthy and meets the standard Red‑Cross eligibility criteria. The community center’s linked “Donor Eligibility” page—pulled from the American Red Cross—specifies that donors should be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be free of illness or infection in the week before donation. Those with recent tattoos or piercings must have a waiting period of 12 months.

Special Focus
Unlike a typical donation drive, this one will give special attention to rare blood types that are in high demand for patients with certain cancers and genetic disorders. According to the American Cancer Society, patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone‑marrow transplants often require type‑specific blood, and a single rare blood type can help a dozen patients. A volunteer will run a short educational session—“Why Your Blood Matters”—to explain how even a single donation can make a life‑saving difference.

Recognition and Gratitude
To honor Marnie’s fight and all donors, a plaque will be unveiled on the main stage. The plaque reads: “In memory of Maryanne Keller, whose courage sparked a community’s generosity.” The plaque will be presented by the Avon Fire Department’s chief, Sandra Lee, who will also speak briefly about the importance of community cohesion in facing health crises.

Community Involvement

The drive is a collaborative effort between several local organizations:

• Avon Lions Club – spearheaded the logistics, from setting up donation tents to coordinating transportation for elderly donors.
• Avon Women’s Civic Group – organized the refreshments and a “Thank‑You” card station where donors can leave personal messages.
• Avon High School’s Science Club – produced a short documentary video that showcases Marnie’s story and the science behind blood transfusions. The video will be projected during the drive and is available on the Avon High School website.

The Patch article also follows a link to a community fundraising page, “Avon Donates for Cancer.” The page offers online donation options for those who can’t make it in person, with proceeds going directly to the Avon Cancer Support Group, a local nonprofit that provides counseling, transportation, and financial aid for cancer patients.

Why It Matters

Blood transfusions are a lifeline for many cancer patients. In fact, the American Red Cross reports that one unit of blood can support 50–100 patients in a single transfusion. When a patient’s blood type is rare, the number drops dramatically, sometimes to just one patient per unit. By concentrating on rare types, the Avon drive aims to create a “blood reserve” that could be used in emergencies for patients across the state.

Marnie Keller herself has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love: “Knowing that people are donating because of my story feels like a second chance—my own blood might keep someone else alive.” She added that she’s especially hopeful for children facing leukemia, who often rely on bone‑marrow transplants that demand compatible blood.

How to Get Involved

Donors – If you are eligible, simply show up at the Community Center on Sunday. All donors will receive a “Thank‑You” badge, a commemorative T‑shirt, and a snack pack.

Volunteers – Those who want to help set up, manage the donation booth, or clean up afterward are encouraged to sign up via the Avon Volunteer Sign‑Up sheet (link provided in the article).

Non‑Donors – You can still make a difference by spreading the word, sharing the event on social media, or contributing to the “Avon Donates for Cancer” online fundraiser.

Looking Ahead

The Avon community is already planning follow‑up events. The Patch article notes a forthcoming “Blood Drive Appreciation Gala” in December, where donors will receive certificates and a chance to meet the Avon Cancer Support Group’s board. Additionally, a partnership with the nearby Yale‑New Haven Hospital’s Blood Bank is being explored, which could expand the reach of the collected units beyond the state.

In sum, the special blood drive in Avon is more than a routine donation event—it is a celebration of perseverance, an act of communal care, and a concrete step toward a healthier future for those battling cancer. As the Patch piece beautifully captures, “When a single life inspires an entire town, the ripple effect can be profound—and lifesaving.”