Beau Dowling Blood Drive Comes To St. John Fisher Parish

CHICAGO, IL — The Beau Dowling Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at St. John Fisher Parish in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. The blood drive is named for three-year-old Beau Dowling, who was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma — a cancer of the nerve cells — Sept. 29, 2016.

This is the second year that the blood drive will be held for Beau within the Catholic parish's Kane Hall at 10200 S. Washtenaw Ave. on the Southwest Side. The inaugural event collected 120 units of blood, far surpassing its goal of 50 units, said Kathleen Meyer of LifeSource, which accepts the donations.

Beau is the youngest of seven children and has had numerous blood transfusions as part of his treatment, which has been taken place largely at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in nearby Oak Lawn. Beau is now in a post-treatment protocol, having endured numerous procedures over the past year.

During that time, the tiny baseball enthusiast was often found chasing a ball down the hallway of the hospital while carrying a plastic bat. The surrounding community has also come together as a show of support for Beau, decorating trees and street poles near his home with purple and yellow ribbons.

Beau's mother, Meg Butler Dowling, also keeps friends and neighbors updated on her son's condition via the Beau's Battle Buddies Facebook page.

As for the upcoming blood drive, donors should be at least 18 years old. Donors that are either 16- or 17-years-old can also participate with a signed parental consent form and must weigh at least 110 pounds as well as be in good physical health.

Eating a healthy meal consisting of low-fat and iron-rich foods is encouraged at least two hours prior to donating blood. Donors are also encouraged to drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages in the days leading up to their donation.

Appointments can be made by calling 877-543-3768 or visiting www.the19thward.com and search using group code "869A".

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