Mother Hosts Annual Blood Drive Honoring Daughter

Tammy Carroll turns grief into hope by organizing blood drive in memory of her late daughter Addi.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After losing her daughter Addi to an unknown illness in 2022, Tammy Carroll of Essex Junction, Vermont has been hosting an annual blood drive in her daughter's honor. The blood donations were vital to Addi's treatment, inspiring her mother to continue the drive to help other families. Over 100 volunteers now participate each February to give blood in Addi's memory.

Why it matters

The annual blood drive allows Tammy Carroll to channel her grief into a positive effort that can save lives, while also honoring her daughter's memory. Blood donations are critical for medical treatments, and this drive helps ensure a steady supply in the local community.

The details

Tammy Carroll started hosting the annual blood drive while her daughter Addi was still alive, as the blood donations were crucial to Addi's treatment. After Addi passed away in 2022, Carroll continued the drive in her daughter's honor. The Essex Fire Department, which helped make Addi's wish of owning a pool a reality in 2016, now helps organize the blood drive and has even named a fire engine after Addi.

  • The annual blood drive is held each February.
  • Addi passed away in 2022.

The players

Tammy Carroll

A mother from Essex Junction, Vermont who started an annual blood drive in memory of her daughter Addi after Addi passed away in 2022.

Addi

Tammy Carroll's daughter who passed away in 2022 from an unknown illness. The blood donations were vital to Addi's treatment, inspiring the annual blood drive in her honor.

Essex Fire Department

The fire department that helped make Addi's wish of owning a pool a reality in 2016, and now helps organize the annual blood drive in Addi's memory, including naming a fire engine after her.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The department said we are getting extra precious time with Addi, so we wanted that for other families. We started hosting this blood drive while Addi was still alive.”

— Tammy Carroll (WCAX)

What’s next

The annual blood drive will continue to be held each February in Addi's memory.

The takeaway

This story highlights how a mother is able to turn her grief into a positive effort that can save lives, while also honoring her daughter's memory through an annual blood drive. It demonstrates the power of community support and how small acts can make a big difference.