DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — New Jersey Blood Services will hold a blood drive Wednesday in Denville in memory of a local mother and daughter who were diagnosed with cancer on the same day and battled the disease together.
The blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Denville Municipal Building, 1 St. Mary’s Place. The event is being held in partnership with the Denville Rotary Club, Sunrise Rotary Club of Denville and Interfaith Food Pantry Network.
The drive will honor Allison Sillence and her mother, Margaret Meyer, who were diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer on the same day.
Despite their illnesses, both remained positive and selfless while bringing kindness, humor and joy to those around them, according to organizers.
Sillence died Aug. 16, 2022, and Meyer died Jan. 21, 2024. Organizers said the blood drive provides an opportunity for the community to save lives in their memory.
The event comes amid concerns about the region’s blood supply. New Jersey Blood Services declared its second blood emergency of the summer last month after the blood supply fell to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Jersey Blood Services said summer donations continue to lag while the need for blood remains constant and is encouraging eligible donors to make appointments.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, while platelet donors can give twice per month. Recent changes to U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance have also expanded eligibility for some potential donors, according to New Jersey Blood Services.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-933-2566 or through New Jersey Blood Services’ online donation system.
Those who are unable to donate blood can support the organization through financial contributions or volunteer opportunities.
