Chicagoland’s Save Our Summer Blood Drive aims to help kids like Emmy, Caleb and Valerio
This content was provided by our sponsor, Vitalant. The FOX editorial team was not involved in the creation of this content.
Chicagoland?s Save Our Summer Blood Drive aims to help kids like Emmy, Caleb and Valerio
The need for blood doesn?t take a summer vacation. In fact, donations often drop during the summer ? a critical time when patients like Caleb, Valerio, and Emmy depend on volunteer donors to survive.
CHICAGO - The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation. In fact, donations often drop during the summer — a critical time when patients like Caleb, Valerio, and Emmy depend on volunteer donors to survive.
That’s why Vitalant is hosting the Save Our Summer Blood Drive, a two-day community event set for June 27–28 at 18 donation locations across the Chicagoland area.
This year’s campaign highlights the stories of three remarkable children — each of whom has faced life-threatening medical conditions requiring frequent blood transfusions.
Emily "Emmy" Holum, of Arlington Heights, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 4. She fought bravely for two years, receiving multiple transfusions — sometimes as many as five in a single day. Emmy passed away in 2007, but her memory lives on through an annual blood drive held in her honor.
"Each donation gave us an extra day with Emmy and ultimately an extra two years," said her father, Tom Holum.
Caleb Koenig, 8, from Plainfield, was born with TAR Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that severely limits the body’s ability to produce platelets. As a baby, he required monthly transfusions. Thanks to generous blood donors, Caleb now produces platelets on his own and is thriving. His family pays it forward by hosting blood drives in his name each year.
"People we never met donated blood, and because of that, he got the treatment he needed," said Caleb’s father, Chris Koenig, head coach of the Lewis University women’s soccer team.
Valerio, from Round Lake in Lake County, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a serious congenital heart defect. He has endured four open-heart surgeries, treatment for hydrocephalus, and more than two dozen blood transfusions. Blood has been essential to every stage of his care and recovery.
"Valerio wouldn’t be where he is now without every single donor who gave blood," his mom, Liliana Torres, shared. "We are so grateful." Despite everything he’s been through, Valerio is full of joy and curiosity. He loves learning, embraces every day, and is determined to live life to the fullest.
Ann Sterling, Communications Manager for Vitalant, stressed the importance of giving when school is out. "Summer is when the need for blood spikes — but donations tend to drop," she said. "Just one donation can help three people. Taking the time to donate could be the difference for a patient in need."
Donor Thank-You Gifts and Rewards
If you donate during the Save Our Summer Blood Drive on June 27–28, you’ll receive a Vitalant t-shirt and be entered for a chance to win a $10,000 gift card.
Plus, all donors will receive a $10 Rewards gift card and be entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards.
Donor Rewards program opt-in is required to receive the $10 gift card.
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome at all Vitalant locations.
For more information or to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825.
OAK LAWN - Vitalant Donation Center
9517 South Cicero Avenue
OAK LAWN, IL, 60453
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
GURNEE - Vitalant Donation Center
5250-1 Grand Avenue
GURNEE, IL, 60031
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
NAPERVILLE - Vitalant Donation Center
2764 Aurora Avenue
NAPERVILLE, IL, 60540
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Vitalant Donation Center
25 W. Rand Road
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, 60004
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
ORLAND PARK - Vitalant Donation Center
Stoneridge Plaza 11120 W 179th
ORLAND PARK, IL, 60467
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SCHAUMBURG - Vitalant Donation Center
211 W Golf Rd
SCHAUMBURG, IL, 60195
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
CRYSTAL LAKE - Vitalant Donation Center
5150 Northwest Highway
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL, 60014
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
EVANSTON - Vitalant Donation Center
2436 Main Street
EVANSTON, IL, 60202
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
GLENVIEW - Vitalant Donation Center
2510 Waukegan Rd
GLENVIEW, IL, 60025
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
JEFFERSON PARK - Vitalant Donation Center
5316 North Milwaukee
CHICAGO, IL, 60630
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
LINCOLN PARK - Vitalant Donation Center
1757 W Fullerton Ave
CHICAGO, IL, 60614
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
NORRIDGE - Vitalant Donation Center
Regency Shopping Center 5050 N. Cumberland Avenue
NORRIDGE, IL, 60706
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
VILLA PARK - Vitalant Donation Center
100 E. Roosevelt Road Suite 40-41
VILLA PARK, IL, 60181
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
WESTMONT - Vitalant Donation Center
1133 Fairview Avenue
WESTMONT, IL, 60559
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
LAKE BLUFF - Vitalant Donation Center
Carriage Way Plaza 223 Waukegan Road
LAKE BLUFF, IL, 60044
Open 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday, 06/27/2025 ONLY
North Riverside Park Mall - next to Kong Dog
7501 W. Cermak Rd.
NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL, 60546
Open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday 6/28/2025 ONLY
Naperville 95th Street Library - Naperville 95th Street Library -- 100550
3015 Cedar Glade Dr
NAPERVILLE, IL, 60564
Open 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday, 06/28/2025 ONLY
Round Lake Heart Warrior - Round Lake Fire Department Headquarters
409 W. Nippersink Road
ROUND LAKE, IL, 60073
Open 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This content was provided by our sponsor, Vitalant. The FOX editorial team was not involved in the creation of this content.