Seven year old Megan Stitz relies on blood transfusions for her leukemia treatment as she waits for a bone marrow transplant.
CRANFORD, NJ –New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, February 4th from 11:00am to 7:00pm at the Cranford VFW. The blood drive is in honor of Megan Stitz, a vibrant 7-year-old girl currently battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that requires intensive treatment, including frequent blood transfusions. Megan is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant.
Megan was diagnosed with AML one week before Thanksgiving and has been receiving care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Her family is hosting this blood drive in her honor to help ensure patients like Megan continue to receive the blood products they need, made possible through the kindness and generosity of donors.
NJBS has extended its blood emergency appeal for an additional two weeks following a historic winter storm that brought blood donation operations across the region to a standstill, erasing significant progress made in rebuilding the local blood supply. Currently, there is only a three-day blood supply across the tri-state area. Blood types O-, O+, and B- are at critically low levels, with approximately a one-day supply remaining for each. The extended emergency declaration highlights the severity of the shortage and the urgent need for immediate community support.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cranford VFW, 479 South Ave East, Cranford, NJ 07016
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, and New Jersey Blood Services representatives
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.