By Anastassia Roberts, American Red Cross intern

Recently, Cardinal Property Management held an “In Honor of Maggie” Blood Drive for the daughter of one of their colleagues. Three-year-old Maggie, the daughter of Noel Krips from the company’s accounting team, was recently diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on September 12, 2024. Since cancer and cancer treatments can damage bone marrow and lower the production of blood and platelets, patients often depend on blood and platelet donations to receive the lifesaving blood they need when undergoing treatment.

When Maggie was diagnosed, Cardinal Property Management immediately stepped in to help. "We organized the blood drive to not only help the supply of donor blood, but to bring together our staff, friends, family, and business partners to help raise funds to help with Maggie’s medical expenses and food and hospital stays for her family,” CEO and President of Cardinal Property Management, Farrah Esquer shared.

The blood drive was held at Cardinal Property Management in Orange on February 3, 2025. They collected 30 units of blood with a goal of 18 units of blood, meaning they reached 166% of their goal! “Once my work found out about my daughter’s diagnosis, they immediately stepped in to help,” Noel shared. “I was, and still am, in shock and awe of all that they did for my family and I.”

“Maggie is a whole vibe. She is so outgoing, loving, personable, gentle, sassy and loves everyone,” Noel shared. Recently, Maggie has taken an interest in the doctor kits and arts and crafts that are available when she visits the hospital for treatment. Maggie has shown remarkable strength, courageously undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Since her diagnosis, Maggie has had several blood and platelet transfusions. Cancer patients like Maggie rely on the generosity of blood and platelet donors to treat their illnesses. “Blood donation can save a life,” Noel shared. “Now, I see just how important it is. That short amount of time you spend sitting there donating can save a person for many more years to come.”

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. When you roll up a sleeve to donate, you can share your good health and help save a life. Schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).