Avon Blood Drive To Honor Local Cancer Victim For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

AVON, CT — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held Saturday in memory of Chris Swetzes, an Avon native whose battle with cancer inspired advocacy for childhood cancer research and support.

The blood drive is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the meeting room at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road. The event is being held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

According to Swetzes' family, he was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma just weeks before his 16th birthday. During the next five years, he experienced three relapses and received more than 100 blood transfusions.

Swetzes died June 17, 2021, at age 21.

A 2018 graduate of Avon High School, Swetzes enjoyed photography, robotics, hiking, and fishing, according to his family.

He also became an advocate for childhood cancer awareness, founding Chris & Company, a Relay For Life team.

Swetzes served as vice president of Vie for the Kids, where he worked to support pediatric cancer clinical trials at Connecticut Children's and raise awareness in the community.

His family said the blood donations he received during treatment provided "hope and help save lives" and is encouraging others to donate in his memory.

Appointments for Saturday's drive can be scheduled through the American Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can use sponsor code IMOCHRIS.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, click on this link.