Give Life, Give Blood: Donate in honor of Michael Goodman, Jr. on Friday, July 13
A few months.
Long enough to bond with your first elementary school buddy by trading crayons.
Long enough to worry your parents as you get the hang of driving with your learner’s permit.
Long enough to feel the pride of the first hard-earned dollars from your first high school job. 
Long enough to lean into the exhilaration of the beginning of college life.
Former PedsCare patient Michael Goodman, Jr. was only a few months old when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
In the 10 months he bravely battled the disease, Michael underwent nearly 80 blood transfusions. “The 79 transfusions would help his body recover from the chemo treatments and help him to feel better,” his mother, Karlie Goodman, said.
Sadly, Michael won’t get to experience elementary school, the joy and independence of his teenage years, or the challenges and triumphs of young adulthood. A month after his first birthday, the ravages of leukemia brought Michael’s battle to an end on December 1.
After his passing, a devastated, but resilient Karlie – and Michael’s father, Michael Sr. -- channeled their grief by working with Community Hospice & Palliative Care to secure a blood bus at his funeral. The reason is simple, but powerful: donated blood was vital in Michael’s treatment – and his life. Twenty-five people heeded the call of compassion and stepped up to donate blood in Michael’s name.
Karlie’s and Michael Sr.’s utmost hope is evident in their wish for Michael’s story to inspire and increase awareness about blood donation: “It’s a way you can give back that doesn’t cost you anything as long as you’re healthy. One blood donation can have an impact on up to three people. It’s a gift that won’t go to waste," said Karlie. "Although you won’t know exactly the turnout, you can feel good with the reassurance that your donation will be used when someone needs it the most.”
Community Hospice & Palliative Care will be hosting its next blood drive on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in honor of Michael. Those who donate will receive a free t-shirt and a wellness checkup to include: blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.
Click here to head to OneBlood to book your appointment and be sure to bring your I.D.
Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages to support the drive, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #DonateForMichael.