By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 28, 2025 at 12:01 PM

For the first time, St. Francis Children’s Center (SFCC) is partnering with the organization "Brave Like Mackenzie" to host a blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin.

The drive takes place Friday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Children Center’s gym, 6700 N. Port Washington Road. All registered donors will receive a limited-edition t-shirt while supplies last.

This meaningful event is held in honor of Mackenzie Clyde, who was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at age 7. Over three years, Mackenzie underwent three brain surgeries, 31 radiation sessions, and more than 30 months of chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she relied on numerous blood and platelet transfusions to stay strong.

Mackenzie passed away on April 9, 2021, but her legacy lives on. "Brave Like Mackenzie" is a nonprofit founded by her parents that supports families facing pediatric cancer. The organization donates books and art supplies to Children’s Wisconsin.

Pediatric cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death among children in Wisconsin. Blood donors are a vital part of the fight and donations truly give kids a better chance to keep fighting.

Appointments are encouraged. To schedule a donation, go here or call 877-232-4376.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.