CHATHAM, N.J. (Morris County) — Not all holiday gifts come wrapped in boxes — some arrive in a bag.
Nearly 90 people donated blood Sunday at the 12th annual Stay Strong Michael Blood Drive in Chatham, an event inspired by the life-saving transfusions that helped save a local student more than a decade ago.
In 2014, Michael DiMaggio was walking home from school when he was struck by a vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries. During the first 72 hours of treatment, he received seven blood transfusions. When the community asked how it could help, his mother, Nicole DiMaggio, urged people to donate blood.
That request led Nicole DiMaggio and fellow Chatham residents Michelle Clark, Melissa Fitzgerald, Marguerite White and Rosalinda Rubio-Williams to launch an annual holiday-season blood drive to help patients in need.
This year marked a milestone for the event as DiMaggio, now a recent college graduate, donated blood himself.
“It feels good to be able to donate blood this year,” Michael said. “So many others have done it every year.”
He said the experience carried special meaning, knowing firsthand how critical blood donations can be.
“I have first-hand experience in how blood drives like this save people’s lives,” he said.
Throughout the day, DiMaggio greeted donors at Chatham High School’s cafeteria, offering hugs and thanks to those who participated.
“I’m so grateful to everybody who’s come out here today and throughout the years to donate blood,” he said. “It’s awesome to see. If not for people like these, I wouldn’t be here.”
According to his family, DiMaggio’s recovery was made possible through the generosity of volunteer blood donors, along with his determination and the support of the community. He is now beginning a career in mechanical engineering.
The American Red Cross, which partnered with the organizers, noted that blood donations typically decline during the holiday season and emphasized the continued need for donors of all blood types.
Those interested in donating can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment. Donors can also save time by completing pre-donation steps through RapidPass via the Red Cross Blood Donor App or online at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
