Norfolk County Hosts Blood Drive In Honor Of 'The Mighty Quinn'

BRAINTREE, MA — The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office hosted a blood drive Thursday in Braintree in honor of Quinn Waters, a 5-year-old Weymouth boy known as "the Mighty Quinn."

Quinn, the son of Quincy police Officer Tara Waters, has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in his fight against brain cancer. The blood drive was held in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital at the Braintree Public Safety Complex.

"Quinn and his family have fought so bravely against this disease, while also fighting to help others,"Sheriff Patrick McDermott said in a statement. "It is an honor to help out with their efforts by making a donation of blood, and I encourage everyone who can to donate blood."

Quinn was first diagnosed with medullo blastoma in 2019, which required an extensive period of home isolation. In February, his family said Quinn's cancer returned, and he would undergo more chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The Waters family requested the public make donations of blood and platelets to help other children in similar situations.

In addition to Thursday's blood drive, the sheriff's office hosted one for its employees Wednesday at the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office in Dedham. Between the two drives, more than 50 people donated blood.

According to Boston Children's Hospital, the blood donations received at Thursday's blood drive will be used as early as this weekend for Boston Children's patients. Each adult donation can benefit up to four patients.

Those wishing to make blood donations who were not able to attend this week's blood drive can do so at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Blood Donor Center at 333 Longwood Ave in Boston.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-in visits are welcome. To make an appointment, call 617-355-6677.