A blood drive founded in memory of a Concord teenager who died of cancer 25 years ago returns Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Beede Swim and Fitness Center on Walden Street.

The 25th Annual Nick Ressler Blood Drive runs 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 498 Walden St., according to the event listing on The Concord Bridge. About 50 donor appointment slots are available, and organizers say they fill nearly all of them each year.

Nick Ressler died in 2001 at age 14 from a rare form of bile duct cancer. His mother, Pam Ressler, estimates he needed more than 300 blood donations during treatment.

While Nick was undergoing care, family friend Cindy Tenner, who has since died, organized two blood drives on his behalf with the Massachusetts General Hospital Blood Mobile. Nick benefited from the first. He died the week before the second took place.

With the family's blessing, Tenner held that second drive in Nick's honor. The next year it became an annual event. Organizers say the drive has helped more than 3,500 people over its quarter-century run, The Concord Bridge reported.

"The tragedy of losing a child is still there," Pam Ressler told The Concord Bridge. "But we're very grateful for the people who are continuing to show up for those who need blood now."

The Ressler family remains rooted in Concord. Nick's two sisters have become mothers, and his parents are grandparents. Nick would have turned 40 on Sept. 29.

Pat Brewer, a 73-year-old Concord resident and regular donor, described the atmosphere as more neighborhood gathering than clinic. Donors arrive early, grab coffee and stay to chat after giving blood.

Robin Mahrouk, nurse manager for the Massachusetts General Hospital Blood Donor Center, said the Nick Ressler drive stands out among the bloodmobile's many stops for its consistent turnout.

The drive has moved among locations and shifted dates over the years, weathering disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Massachusetts General Hospital Blood Mobile, operated by the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, partners with the family each year to run the collection.

Donors can sign up online through The Concord Bridge event page.

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, Oct. 10: 25th Annual Nick Ressler Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Beede Swim and Fitness Center, 498 Walden St., Concord