Third annual event collects 36 blood donations in memory of beloved athletic trainer Lisa Schmalbach Boyer
NEWARK, DE – Blood Bank of Delmarva’s (BBD) third annual Love for Lisa Blood Drive brought in 36 units of blood in memory of Newark resident Lisa Schmalbach Boyer, an athletic trainer at both ATI Physical Therapy and Padua Academy, who passed away in 2022 due to complications from Leukemia.
The drive, organized by Dean Dyer, Manager, Enterprise Collaboration Systems for New York Blood Center Enterprises, Kim Huggins Habbert, head coach of the Wilmington University women’s volleyball team, and Peter Boyer, Lisa’s husband, drew 33 appointments and continues to grow each year.
Lisa relied on blood transfusions during her cancer treatment, and her friends and family honored her by giving the selfless, lifesaving gift of blood donation. Her husband Pete, her mother Ann, and her daughter Emma all participated, while 6ABC Action News covered the heartfelt community event.
“This is for all the people who had the same situation as Lisa and sometimes couldn’t get all the blood they needed for treatments,” said Dyer, who also donated with his wife, Rebecca. “We just do what we can to help those people get through.”
For the third straight year, the Wilmington University women’s volleyball team members volunteered at the Love for Lisa Blood Drive, staffing the café and looking after donors.
“Lisa was my best friend,” said Habbert. “The day she passed, I was at a game, and ever since, it’s been important to all of us to do something that has personal meaning. The team looks forward to it every year.”
The blood drive was held at the Delaware Saengerbund Association, where Lisa had been an active member and dancer, proud of her German heritage and her participation in the organization’s annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
To hold a blood drive, click here, or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 to book an individual appointment.
