BATH

Madeline Marzen was just four years old when a brain tumor claimed her life last October.

On Tuesday, Midcoast residents will honor her memory by giving life to others through their donation of blood.

“It’s helping keep her legacy alive, and that means the world to me,” said her mother, Amie Marzen.

Marzen said that she was a regular blood donor before her daughter’s illness, but this Tuesday’s donation event has a special meaning for her.

“For us personally, my daughter Madeline received three donations of blood or platelets during her cancer fight,” said Marzen, “so I wanted to make sure we were able to pay forward what she received, and make sure that no one ever has to go without if they need it.

“Every time she received a donation, I was mentally keeping track of how many times,” she added. “I mentally made a pact to myself that I was going to pay every donation back.”

This will be the third donation Marzen has made in the months since her daughter’s death, fulfilling her pact.

Community members will also be stepping up to donate blood during the blood drive, which is taking place at the Bath Area Senior Center from noon to 6 p.m. Registration is not required, and donors can show up at any point during that time. Child care will be provided by Midcoast Life Church.

Those who cannot donate during that time or at that location can pledge to donate in Madeline’s name at the American Red Cross website by searching for “Madeline,” or by pledging on her Facebook page, Madeline’s Giving Life Drive.

“There’s always a need for people to give blood,” said Marzen. “A single donation can save up to three lives.”

Planners expect 100 people to donate in Madeline’s memory either in person or through pledges.

“A quarter of the people who are donating are first timers, which is amazing,” said Marzen. “It’s amazing that so many people are willing to give it a try just because they loved Madeline or they heard her story and wanted to give it a shot.”

In the intervening months, there has been an outpouring of support for her family, said Marzen, including a fundraiser by the Southgate Family Restaurant, who donated the proceeds from their opening day to the family.

“It’s just incredible. We never thought this would happen to our family. Madeline was a healthy kid up until the time she got sick,” said Marzen. “But the community has really stepped forward, and at a time where you could really feel lost we’ve felt surrounded by love.

“The Bath area community, and I guess the Midcoast Maine community in general, is just absolutely amazing and incredible in all the support they’ve given us,” she added.