Blood drive for firefighter’s daughter

Today in Highland Park

Here’s a heartfelt update from the Chicago Tribune:

The City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Fire Department are coming together once again for a special Memorial Day blood drive. This year, the event is dedicated to supporting Kylia Abbott, the young daughter of firefighter Nathan Abbott, as she continues her battle against stage four neuroblastoma.

The blood drive will take place on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fire Station #33, located at 1130 Central Ave. This is the second consecutive year that the fire department has organized this meaningful event, showing their deep commitment to one of their own and his family.

Kylia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma after a routine checkup in January 2014. This rare form of cancer develops in nerve tissue, often in the adrenal glands, neck, chest, or spinal cord. Her treatment at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital has been intense, requiring nearly 20 blood transfusions. The support from the community has been vital in helping her stay strong through the process.

Nathan Abbott, a former U.S. Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Purple Heart, has been a pillar of strength for his family. His colleagues have also stepped up, sacrificing their time to be there for him and his wife, Kelly, during Kylia’s treatments.

Fire Chief Dan Pease shared how important this event is to the department: “We’re in the business of service—service to our community, and service to each other. Supporting a brother and his family in need is something we feel deeply connected to.”

Kylia’s grandmother emphasized the importance of blood donations in her granddaughter’s recovery. “The blood transfusions were crucial in keeping Kylia healthy while she waited for her stem cell transplant. They helped her stay alert and strong, which made all the difference in fighting this disease.”

If you're interested in donating, appointments are encouraged but not required. You can schedule your appointment by calling LifeSource at (877) 543-3768 or visiting www.lifesource.org using group code 344D.

Thanks, Dan

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