WBNG-TV is sponsoring a blood drive starting Friday at the Oakdale Mall.

It's in honor of Emily Donovan, a 23 month old girl with brain cancer.

Action News Reporter Jessica Light sits down with Emily's mother to discuss her family's need for blood donations.

"She's been in the hospital probably more than she's been home." says Janet Donovan, Emily Donovan's Mother.

Emily Donovan will likely spend her 2nd birthday in the hospital.

In May, Emily was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.

"My heart just dropped through and I couldn't believe it. You're just hoping she's going to be here the next day." says Janet.

Emily had surgery to remove the tumor.

3 months and 10 blood transfusions later, Emily is still fighting for her life.

Chemotherapy causes weight loss and weakness.

Janet says its heartbreaking to watch her youngest daughter deteriorate before her eyes.

"She's a fighter and she's doing so well but its times like this when she's down that you get scared again and your afraid. And you really hope she has the fight in her and that she makes it." says Janet.

But Janet says, Emily wouldn't have made it without blood transfusions.

To make matters worse, Emily has the rarest blood type... O negative.

Only 7 people out of 100 share the trait.

That's why the Montrose community came out in force earlier this month.

367 pints of blood were donated in honor of Emily.

"You can't explain just how it feels that there are so many people out there that are so selfless and give their blood and its helping your daughter. And she needs this blood and she needs it to get stronger so she can be here for her second birthday." says Janet.

Emily's need for blood is only one example.

1 out of 3 people will need a transfusion in their lifetime.

In Montrose, Jessica Light, WBNG-TV Action News.

The Red Cross is challenging the Binghamton area to surpass the donations from the Mega Montrose Blood.

Head to the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City between 12 and 7 on Friday.

Or between 10am and 4pm Saturday.

The blood drive will be located next to CVS Pharmacy.

You're encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or go online to www.donatebloodnow.org.