MADISON TOWNSHIP — Carley Hamilton said she still remembers the long hours spent waiting for blood to arrive while her daughter, London, fought for life.
London, now a sixth grader at Madison Middle School, received a diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma in 2022 while attending third grade at Madison South.
During her treatment, she relied on the generosity of blood donors to survive, receiving a total of 65 transfusions — 40 platelets, 24 units of blood and one plasma — along with one month of radiation.
“There was even a time we waited more than 10 hours for blood to arrive, a delay that showed us just how critical blood donations truly are,” she said.
A community steps up
The fourth annual “Donate for London” blood drive will take place May 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Madison High School Library at 600 Esley Lane.
The blood drive is in partnership with the National Honor Society, with an increased goal of 125 units.
Donors will receive a Cedar Fair ticket, a $20 Amazon e-gift card and a “Donate for London” T-shirt.
She said the NHS started making T-shirts featuring a fox, London’s favorite animal, with this year’s design coming directly from Hamilton’s book “London the Brave Fox.”
Hamilton said she created the book for London, helping her to stay motivated and maintain her bravery.
As London continued treatment in late 2023, Madison’s NHS organized a blood drive in her honor.
Hamilton said Madison South Elementary Assistant Principal Kyle Gordon reached out to her with an idea.
She said Gordon told her he knew they had waited a long time for blood and asked what they would think if the school hosted a blood drive.
“It’s been incredibly moving to watch our community come together in such a selfless way.”
Carley Hamilton
“If it wasn’t for Madison to think of this kindness — it meant so much to us,” she said.
The NHS set a goal of 100 units for the first “Donate for London” blood drive. Students and community members exceeded that goal and collected 120 units.
“That incredible act of kindness sparked what has now become an annual tradition,” Hamilton said.
Growing impact raises the goal
Hamilton said turnout in the first year impressed her, and participation has continued to grow.
The group collected 117 units in May 2024 and 138 in May 2025, surpassing the 100-unit goal each year.
“Altogether, these drives have collected 375 units of blood — each donation representing a chance to save a life,” Hamilton said.
“These drives not only honor London’s journey but also give students the opportunity to earn service hours while making a meaningful impact,” Hamilton added. “It’s been incredibly moving to watch our community come together in such a selfless way.”
Hamilton continues to share her journey through a Facebook group, with London in remission.
Hamilton said she wants people to hear London’s journey while also emphasizing why these blood drives matter.
“No family has to wait like we did — that is our main goal,” she said.
She said blood donors play a critical role not only for cancer patients, but also for trauma victims and people involved in car accidents.
“Each drive continues to get more heartwarming, I know there are so many other people going through this,” she said.
Since London’s treatment ended, Hamilton said they have continued working closely with the American Red Cross, hoping her story inspires more people to donate and help prevent shortages for families like theirs.
(Photos of London and previous blood drives. Provided by Carley Hamilton)
