Blood Drive Collects 60 Units

Donating blood has taken on a new meaning for the Menges family.

Bobby Menges was just 5 years old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial cancer in infancy and childhood.

During his fight, family friend Stacey Leondis, who lost her life to osteosarcoma five years ago at the age of 23, was an inspiration. As cancer patients, both Stacey and Bobby received many units of red blood and platelets throughout their treatment, mom Liz Menges said.

Diana Leondis, Stacey's sister, and Emily Menges, the boys' sister, were good friends and the families supported each other during their children's fight.

Bobby, now 15, and his older brother, Jake, 17, have hosted a blood drive in memory of Leondis for the past three years. They intend on making it an annual tradition, Jake said.

Patch stopped by their July 25 blood drive and despite the rain, friends and neighbors came to support the cause. Donors filled out paperwork in the Menges' kitchen before heading outside to the bloodmobile parked next to their home.

"About 75 people came to donate and they collected 60 units," Liz Menges said.  "Many of the donors were first-timers, both kids and adults."