Cancer-Surviving Toddler Celebrates 2nd Birthday with Blood Drive

Cancer survivor Scarlett Wecks is turning 2, and to celebrate her birthday – and life – her parents are inviting the community to take part in an annual blood drive.

Scarlett is no ordinary toddler. Born Oct. 16, 2010, the Newark toddler was born with a malignant brain tumor.

She has gone through several rounds of chemotherapy and undergone a dozen surgeries. Her parents Chris and Brandi Wecks say she continues to do well.

Last year, the Wecks family decided to host a blood drive to celebrate their daughter’s life and give back to the community. The event drew in 130 donors and more than 100 units were donated.

“We wanted to celebrate, but to also do something that would give back a little to one of the hospitals that saved her life, as well as help other patients who were fighting for their lives,” the Wecks family recently told Newark Patch blogger Cheyenne Protz.

This year, they hope to see similar success with Scarlett’s 2nd Birthday Blood Drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 35450 Newark Blvd. in Newark.

A raffle will also be held at the event and prizes will include an autographed Raiderettes calendar,  Golden State Warriors tickets, a photography session, gift cards and more.

Local bicycle club Kruz3rMob will also be hosting a silent art auction entitled “Arts and Pints.”

For more information about the second annual blood drive for Scarlett, click here.  To register for a blood donation appointment click here, or visit Stanford Blood Center's donor website at www.sbcdonor.org.

Newark Patch blogger Cheyenne Protz contributed to this report.

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