This September, in honor of pediatric cancer awareness month, Southern Maine and Midcoast Maine will honor a young child’s cancer battle with a memorial blood drive. Community members are encouraged to come out to donate blood in memory of 4-year-old Bath native, Madeline Marzen.  Madeline passed away in October 2017 after a brief, aggressive battle with a malignant brain tumor.  

In the spring, 67 people donated blood in memory of Madeline.  With the fall drive, event organizers hope to break 100 people, making it the largest memorial blood drive in Maine to date.

“We were blown away with the outcome of our first drive this past spring,” says Madeline’s mom, Amie Marzen.  “The Red Cross let us know we were close to breaking the record for the largest memorial drive in Maine (83), so we thought we’d really go for it for pediatric cancer awareness month and have two locations set-up to donate.  I was really honored that Alliance Realty and Chase Custom Homes and Finance offered to help us to expand the blood drive into the Portland area, they truly floored me with their thoughtfulness.”

By the conclusion of the drive, planners hope more that 100 people will donate blood in memory of Madeline.  With each blood donation saving approximately three lives, the impact is huge. According to the American Red Cross, 34% of blood donations are needed for those fighting a cancer battle.  Madeline needed three transfusions/ platelets during her brief, two-month cancer battle, which her mother pledged to match to pay forward the blood used by her daughter.  Amie’s donation at the blood drive will be the fourth donation she’s made since her daughter’s passing in October last year.

“During Madeline’s illness, she needed blood or platelets three times total.  I remember watching her receive these donations and mentally pledging to pay the donation back, so to speak,” said Amie Marzen. “There are so many kids still fighting, so this blood drive is for them.”

Westbrook, Gorham and Greater Portland community will roll-up their sleeves on Tuesday, Sept. 4 and Bath will follow on Friday, Sept. 28 in memory of Madeline. Alliance Realty and Chase Custom Homes & Finance will host a blood drive with a Red Cross Mobile unit on-site Sept. 4 at 290 Bridgton Road, Westbrook. The Red Cross will be at the Bath Senior Center at 45 Floral Street in Bath, home of the Midcoast Life Church, on Sept. 28.

Anyone wanting to register to donate blood can visit the American Red Cross’ website and search for “Madeline” to select either drive or can pledge to donate in her name through the Facebook page (Madeline’s Giving Life Drive) or Sleevesup.org (search for Madeline’s Giving Life Drive). 

Westbrook blood drive

Preregistration is encouraged for the blood drive; interested parties can come to the drive between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Alliance Realty and Chase Custom Home’s location, 290 Bridgton Road, Westbrook. Event co-sponsors include Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, United Insurance and Phenix Title.

Bath blood drive

Preregistration is encouraged for the blood drive at the Midcoast Life Church/ Bath Senior Center at 45 Floral Street in Bath.  The drive will take place from noon until 6 p.m. and childcare is an option for the duration of your donation. Event is sponsored by Midcoast Life Church.

For more information, contact Amie Marzen, mother of Madeline Marzen, 207.449.2896, Amie.marzen@gmail.com