Madison Handley, 14, has already battled childhood cancer twice in her young life, and both times, she has bounced back.
Her blond, curly hair has been growing longer, and she’s no longer walking with the assistance of crutches.
The close-knit Lewes, Delaware community has rallied around Madison, to say the least, and everyone will celebrate the Beacon Middle School eighth-grader with the second In Honor of the Handley Family Blood Drive. The drive, in conjunction with Blood Bank of Delmarva, is scheduled for 8:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Cape Henlopen High School.
Madison is a swimmer and soccer player. She is also a member of Girl Scout Troop 701 and the National Junior Honor Society, as well as the Beacon Middle School chorus. During her treatment, she had surgery, chemotherapy, and blood transfusions while at the hospital.
“Knowing that blood donations can save lives, the Girl Scouts wanted to honor Madison and her family by organizing a blood drive, while also supporting other community members who may also benefit from blood donations,” blood drive coordinator Cathy Ramsey has said.
Ramsey reached out to the Handley family to see if the blood drive could be held again this year.
“She said the turnout was great last year, so we said yes,” said Erin Handley, Madison’s mother. “I’m not sure if this will be an annual thing but if it’s helpful to the blood bank, we are happy to continue to do it.
“We will be at the event on June 1st,” she added. “My parents and I will be donating and Madison will be there for a little bit in the morning. Her busy, teenager calendar has her going to Washington, D.C. later that day! We are so grateful she is healthy enough to have such a busy schedule.”
The second In Honor of the Handley Family Blood Drive is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at Cape Henlopen High School. Please go to donate.bbd.org to book an appointment or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.