Community rallies behind Josie’s Jammie and Blood Drive

SALISBURY, Md. – A young girl who battled for her own life is now giving back in a big way as dozens show up for Josie’s Jammie and Blood Drive.

Seven-year-old Josie Herbert is outgoing, full of life, and quite the ball of energy. You would never know Josie was fighting for her life less than a year ago.

Amanda Herbert, Josie’s mom, explains, “Josie was diagnosed with stage four wilm’s tumor in March of last year and she’s had quite a journey. She had 33 weeks of treatment. She went through five different chemo therapies, four different surgeries, including one that removed her kidney and the main tumor.”

An arduous journey, one that required four blood transfusions and many trips and week long stays at A.I. Dupont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington.

Josie, who’s now cancer free, is trying to help other kids fighting cancer by making their journey as comfortable as possible with a pajama and blood drive.

Herbert says, “We got through it and thankfully we’re on the other side and just want to walk with other families through it too.”

It’s a drive the community had no problem rallying behind on Monday.

“It’s a no brainer when it comes to setting up and bringing some pajamas and also giving blood,” explains one donor, Randy Scott.

Another, Stacy Messick adds, “I feel like we all want to share their journey and their battle with them so certainly this is just a testament to how many people love this family, love this little girl. And just understand what cancer can do and be a part of helping someone overcome that.”

It was a definite success, with over 250 pajamas donated and over 40 people giving blood.