Blood Drive at Quincy YMCA Supports ‘The Mighty Quinn’

QUINCY – On April 1, 2021, the Quincy YMCA will host a blood drive in its parking lot to support possibly the most famous kid on the South Shore, Quinn Waters, known to all as “The Mighty Quinn.”

The Quincy Y blood drive is one of four area events conducted by Boston Children’s Hospital’s bloodmobile to collect blood and platelets in honor of Waters, a Weymouth resident who, at age 5, has spent much of his life battling brain cancer and has gained public support along his journey to fight medulloblastoma.

Last fall, the Waters family and community rejoiced when it seemed The Mighty Quinn had won his battle. Unfortunately, the family received the dreadful news earlier this year that his cancer had returned, just before his fifth birthday.

The family is seeking the help of the community to donate blood and platelets. Quinn receives either a blood or platelet transfusion nearly every other day as part of his treatment, and there is currently a severe shortage.

Quinn’s mother, Tara Waters, is a Weymouth Police Officer, and their family has received tremendous support from Waters’ fellow officers and area police departments. The Quincy Y blood drive is sponsored by the Quincy Police department, coordinated by Lieutenant Dan Minton.

“We are thrilled and humbled to be a part of this exceptional community effort to help save the lives of kids battling cancer, like The Mighty Quinn,” said Quincy YMCA Sr. Executive Director, Patrick Murphy. “We are here to support the Waters family, and it is truly an honor to host this event in partnership with the Quincy Police Department. We encourage everyone to sign up and donate, here at the Y or wherever and whenever you can.”

Those interested in donating blood or platelets at Boston Children's Hospital as part of its “Give Pints for Half Pints” efforts can register online at www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org or call 617-355-6677. Visit www.childrenshospital.org/ways-to-help/donate-blood for more information.

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About the South Shore YMCA

The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.