Published by Kirby Winn on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in News Releases
Family and friends of the late Reid Gleeson will hold the “Rally for Reid” blood drive scheduled for noon until 5 p.m., Thursday, May 1 in the ballroom of Saint Ambrose University's Rogalski Center.
Peighton Davis, a student at Saint Ambrose University and member of the SAU Dance Marathon student organization, is helping to organize the blood drive. “Being part of Dance Marathon has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve had the chance to help create moments of joy for kids and raise money for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital,” said Davis. “Through my experiences with Dance Marathon, I’ve heard powerful stories from families and learned about the incredible impact of the Rally For Reid Foundation. Donating blood takes less than an hour, and for so many kids at the children’s hospital, blood transfusions are life-saving. Giving back in this way feels like the least I can do for the families and children who inspire me every day.
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Blood Is Medicine for pediatric cancer patients. Learn more here.
Reid was received treatment for Medulloblastoma over a 3-year period, from age 2 until his death at age 5. Reid’s cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and a total of 42 blood transfusions over the course of three years.
“After he received blood products, he would look a lot better. He’d get color back in his face and just have more energy,” said Reid’s mother, Megan Gleeson in a video for ImpactLife.
Learn more about Reid and the Rally For Reid Foundation
Good Giving: Opportunity to Give Financial Support
Blood donors have the opportunity to make a financial donation to nonprofit organizations such as the Rally For Reid Foundation part of the blood center's "Good Giving" program. After each donation, donors receive email instructions with information on ordering a "thank you" gift, which can be redeemed as a donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The amount of each contribution is based on donation frequency. For more information, see www.bloodcenter.org/donorforlife.
About the Rally for Reid Foundation
The Rally for Reid Foundation was started in honor of Reid Gleeson, "the bravest boy we’ve ever met." The Foundation is a tribute to Reid's bravery, resilience, and fight, which left a huge impact on everyone who knew his story and followed his journey. Reid's family and friends honor his memory and keep his spirit alive by supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer and by supporting research to help find a cure for brain tumors.
ABOUT IMPACTLIFE
ImpactLife's mission is to save lives by engaging donors, supporting partners, and advancing medicine. Founded in 1974, ImpactLife supplies blood products and services to hundreds of hospitals, emergency services organizations, clinical researchers, and other blood centers throughout Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The nonprofit blood provider is ranked among the leading 12 blood suppliers in the United States. For more information on current blood inventory levels, our donor promotions, and more, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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