Blood Drive in Honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

This September, in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Town of Taos proudly stands with children and families affected by pediatric cancer. We invite you to join us on Sunday, September 21, 2025, for a Blood Drive at Coronado Hall – El Taoseño Room, 120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Every year, thousands of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer—one of the leading causes of death by disease for children under the age of 15. Many of these children rely on blood transfusions as part of their life-saving treatment. Donating blood is one of the most impactful ways you can help. Blood transfusions support children during chemotherapy, ease symptoms of anemia, reduce the risk of dangerous bleeding, and replenish blood lost during surgeries or procedures.

This blood drive is held in honor of Clarice Lopez and Matteo Maestas, two brave childhood cancer warriors from our community who have benefited directly from blood donations. Clarice was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma at just 21 months old. Her journey has included chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, major surgery, and ongoing oral chemotherapy through a clinical trial. Despite the intense treatments and setbacks, Clarice continues to face each day with strength and resilience.

Matteo’s story began nearly two years ago on September 17, 2023, when he was diagnosed with an infantile ganglioglioma tumor. After undergoing emergency surgery to remove the life-threatening mass, he faced recurrence and required a second brain surgery in July 2025. Because the tumor is located on an artery, only part of it could be removed. Matteo is now undergoing in-home treatment with the hope that this therapy will shrink the tumor over the next two years.

These children and their families represent countless others who are in need—not just of advanced medical care but of the compassion and generosity of their community. As Mayor Pascualito Maestas will officially declare during the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, September is a time to raise awareness, show support, and take meaningful action in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We encourage everyone in the community to wear gold throughout the month and to consider donating blood as a powerful, life-saving gesture of solidarity with children and families affected by cancer.

Your single blood donation can help save a life and provide hope to families, not only in our community, but in communities everywhere. To schedule your appointment, call 1-877-258-4825, visit vitalant.org, or scan the QR code on the flyer.