Arlington Heights Family Honors Daughter With Memorial Blood Drive

Emily Holum, affectionately known as "Mighty Mite" for her resilience, passed away at age six after battling acute myeloid leukemia.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The family of Emily Holum, an Arlington Heights girl who passed away at age six after a two-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia, is hosting a memorial blood drive in her honor. Emily received over 500 blood transfusions during her treatment, which her family says gave her strength and additional time. The blood drive aims to continue Emily's spirit of helping others.

Why it matters

Blood donations are critical for supporting patients like Emily who require frequent transfusions during cancer treatment. This memorial blood drive honors Emily's memory and ensures other families can experience the same gift of time that blood donations provided for her.

The details

The Emily Holum Memorial Blood Drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at Our Lady of the Wayside Gym in Arlington Heights. Donors will receive a coupon for a pint of frozen custard from Culver's. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are also welcome. Donors are advised to eat well, hydrate, and bring a valid ID before donating.

  • The blood drive will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Emily Holum

A six-year-old girl from Arlington Heights who passed away after a two-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She was affectionately known as "Mighty Mite" for her resilience.

Tom Holum

Emily's father, who said the blood transfusions she received during treatment gave her good days and allowed her to just be a kid.

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What they’re saying

“Every time Emmy received blood, she felt better. It gave her good days — days where she could ride her bike, go to kindergarten and just be a kid.”

— Tom Holum, Emily's father (Patch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This memorial blood drive honors the memory of a young girl who bravely fought cancer, and highlights the vital role that blood donations play in supporting patients during treatment. The drive aims to continue Emily's spirit of helping others and ensure more families can experience the gift of time that blood transfusions provided for her.