Along with the Johnson family, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the American Red Cross will hold the 23rd Annual Matt Johnson Memorial Blood Drive on October 7 and 8.

The event will coincide with the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair and will take place immediately adjacent to it at the Manhattan Beach Fire Station.

Over the last 23 years, every October, Matt’s family members - who are longtime Manhattan Beach residents - gather to honor his legacy by holding a blood drive in his memory.

 

Matt was a Manhattan Beach junior lifeguard who enjoyed surfing and helping others. At 12 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. He fought the disease for two years until his passing in 2000. 

Matt’s family, friends and members of the community continue to honor his life by asking the public to give the gift of life and donate blood in his honor.

“Prior to Matt’s illness I wasn’t very aware of the huge importance of blood donations, even though my mom, Matt’s Granny, was a consistent blood donor well into her senior years,” said his mother, Thais Johnson. “I’ve always been proud that this drive, in such a public space, plays a part in community awareness as well as collecting life-saving blood in Matt’s memory.”

 

 

All those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma (any time between October 1 and 20) will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Eligible donors of all blood types and procedure types at mobiles and blood donation centers – whole blood, platelets and AB Elite plasma - who present to give during the time frame and have an email on file will receive this offer (one gift card per person; all usual restrictions apply).

 

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.