The Quincy YMCA hosted a series of blood drives to support possibly the most famous kid on the South Shore, Quinn Waters, known to all as “The Mighty Quinn.”
The Quincy Y blood drives held on April 1, July 27, and September 14, 2021, are part of several area events conducted by Boston Children’s Hospital’s bloodmobile to collect blood and platelets in honor of Waters, a Weymouth resident who, at age 5, has spent much of his life battling brain cancer and has gained public support along his journey to fight medulloblastoma.
Last fall, the Waters family and community rejoiced when it seemed The Mighty Quinn had won his battle. Unfortunately, the family received the news earlier this year that his cancer had returned, just before his fifth birthday. Quinn has resumed his battle and is undergoing treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Upon returning home from one of his treatments, Quinn and his father, Jarlath Waters, stopped by the April 1 blood drive for a hug with the Easter Bunny and a visit to Ellie’s Treats ice cream truck to thank everyone for participating.
“This is one of four drives in Quinn’s honor at different locations in Quincy, and the YMCA has been gracious enough to host. All these blood drives in Quinn’s honor are fantastic. I hope that it can help more families like the blood donations have helped us,” said Waters.
The Waters family is seeking the help of the community to donate blood and platelets for Quinn and other children battling cancer. Quinn will receive regular blood or platelet transfusions as part of his treatment, and there is currently a shortage due to COVID-19.
“Anybody who wants to give blood can go to “Pints for Half Pints” at Boston Children’s blood donor center and make a donation,” said Waters. “Thanks again to the YMCA and Jeff Sullivan [of Quincy is Everything] for all that you’ve done.”
Quinn’s mother, Tara Waters, is a Quincy Police Officer, and their family has received tremendous support from fellow officers and area police departments. The Quincy Y blood drives were sponsored by the Quincy Police department, coordinated by Y member, Lieutenant Dan Minton.
“We are thrilled and humbled to be a part of this exceptional community effort to help save the lives of kids battling cancer, like The Mighty Quinn,” said Quincy YMCA Senior Executive Director, Patrick Murphy. “We are here to support the Waters family, and it is truly an honor to host this event in partnership with the Quincy Police Department. We encourage everyone to donate blood for kids like Quinn.”
Those interested in donating blood or platelets at Boston Children’s Hospital as part of its “Give Pints for Half Pints” efforts can register online at www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org or call 617-355-6677. Visit www.childrenshospital.org/ways-to-help/donate-blood for more information. To learn more about The Mighty Quinn, visit www.facebook.com/friendsofthemightyquinn
###
About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
