In September 2005, Anna Tomalis needed a blood transfusion.

A tumor the size of a football in her abdomen was causing a shortage in her blood supply.

Since that incident, Anna, 13, has received numerous blood transfusions, including one during a hospitalization a little more than a month ago, as a result of her battle with embryonal sarcoma of the liver, a rare form of cancer.

Armed with the desire to help other members of the community who are in need of transfusions, Anna had an idea for a blood drive after her recent experience.

On April 19, Anna's family, friends, neighbors and other community members, along with the American Red Cross, gathered at Lime Kiln Middle School, in Fulton, Anna's school, to hold a blood drive.

The event was a success, with more than 50 pints of blood collected that will help about 180 people, Anna said.

"A lot of kids will probably be saved," she said at the event.

American Red Cross representative Chrystel Bell explained that they were happy to assist Anna because there is a greater need for blood during the summer when families are on vacation and too busy to be thinking about donating blood.

"We were just thankful to be able to help her in her mission," Bell added.

Anna, who is currently being homeschooled, had plenty of support from her former schoolmates, family and community members.

Her grandmother, Doris Tomalis, drove down from Pennsylvania to volunteer at the event.

Sally Swygert, mother of Anna's friend, Carly, came out to donate blood.

"Anything that's important to Anna is important to us," she said.

> Stevens Forest Elementary School will hold its 35th anniversary celebration May 9, 6:30-9 p.m.

There will be games, special guests, music and more. All former students, parents, friends of the school and staff are invited to contribute their memories by stopping by the school to videotape what they have to say. The collected memories will be shown during the event.

The school is at 6045 Stevens Forest Road, Columbia.

Call 410-313-6900.

> Long Reach High School's After Prom Mardi Gras Party is being held May 16 at the LifeTime Fitness facility following prom to provide a fun, safe, alcohol- and drug-free event for students.

Food and refreshments, as well as a variety of activities (carnival games, card games, swimming, rock-wall climbing and more) will be available throughout the night.

Call Darlene Brown, 2008 After Prom Party chair, at 410-995-0707, or e-mail CBrownMAS@aol.com.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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