Nancy Scott and fifth grader Riley Simmons are the benefactors of a blood drive this Friday at the Ripon Fire Department headquarters in the 100 block of South Stockton Avenue from 2 until 7:30 p.m.

A resident of Ripon for the past 14 years, Scott was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago.  She has been undergoing chemotherapy in her fight against the disease that requires her to have blood transfusions.

“Nancy is a fighter who is loved by many people and your kind donation of blood will help her in her fight,” a fire department spokesman said.

The nine-year-old Riley Simmons was a fifth grader at Colony Oak Elementary School when she was diagnosed with brain cancer last November.  Riley has braved major brain surgeries shortly after her diagnosis and has undergone radiation and continuous chemotherapy. 

The treatments have reportedly caused her blood and platelet count to become dangerously low. That is expected to call for additional blood transfusions in the near future.

Throughout her ordeal Riley has remained the same sweet, loving and gentle child she has always been, her family said.  By participating in this blood drive Riponites not only provide a vital resource for those in need of blood, you also help offset the medical costs of current and future transfusions for both Nancy and Riley.

Scheduled appointments are recommended and may be made by calling Kathy at 599-4209.  A valid identification with a date of birth is required for all donors.