There’s something powerful about rolling up your sleeve and giving blood—it’s a small act that can ripple out to save lives. That’s exactly what the Armer Foundation for Kids is all about with their blood drives, and I’ve got to say, it’s one of the coolest ways they support families in Phoenix facing tough medical battles. I wanted to dig into what makes these events special and why they matter so much.
The Armer Foundation, started by Jennifer and Matt Armer back in 2019, is a nonprofit with a heart for kids dealing with serious illnesses. They’re based right here in Phoenix, and their mission is to lighten the load for families drowning in medical bills—think copays, deductibles, and all those sneaky out-of-pocket costs that pile up when insurance doesn’t cut it. But they don’t stop at writing checks. They bring people together through stuff like fundraisers, toy drives, and, you guessed it, blood drives. It’s a community vibe that says, “You’re not in this alone.”
So, about those blood drives—they’re a big deal. The Armer Foundation hosts them regularly, often tying them to specific kids they’re helping, like little Ruby Anne with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a few years back. It’s not just about collecting blood (though they do that too—every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs it, according to the American Red Cross). It’s about rallying the neighborhood to pitch in. You might see one pop up at a local gym or law office, with folks signing up for slots to donate. They’ve even paired them with holiday markets, making it a whole event—shop a little, give a little, save a life.
What I love is how practical it is. Blood can’t be made in a lab; it’s got to come from people like us. For the Armer Kids—those children fighting cancer, heart conditions, or other brutal diagnoses—blood donations can be a lifeline. Whether it’s for surgeries, transfusions, or just keeping them going, every pint counts. And the Armer Foundation makes it easy to get involved. They’ll post sign-up links online, team up with places like Vitalant or the Red Cross, and turn it into a feel-good day where you walk away knowing you did something real.
Take their past drives as an example. Back in 2021, they held one at a UFC Gym in Ahwatukee, honoring Hope Defenderfer, a middle schooler battling a brain tumor. Her mom, Ann Trent, couldn’t pay the foundation back with cash, so she donated blood instead. That’s the kind of spirit these events spark—people stepping up however they can. Another time, they set up at Breyer Law Offices with vendors and a festive vibe, all while collecting blood for kids in need. It’s smart, it’s heartfelt, and it works.
If you’re thinking about joining in, it’s pretty straightforward. You’ve got to be at least 17 (16 with a parent’s okay), weigh 110 pounds or more, and feel healthy that day. Bring an ID, hydrate like crazy, and eat something solid before you go. The whole thing takes about an hour, and afterward, you get snacks—cookies are a universal blood drive perk, right? Plus, you’re helping kids like Hope or Ruby, and that’s a win worth celebrating.
The Armer Foundation’s blood drives aren’t just about filling bags with red stuff. They’re about hope, connection, and giving families a breather when life gets heavy. Next time you hear about one—maybe on their Facebook or Instagram—why not sign up? It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, one pint at a time.
About The Armer Foundation
The Armer Foundation For Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to easing the
financial burdens of families with children battling extreme medical conditions. When
health insurance is not enough, we assist with copays, premiums, deductibles, and any
medical-related out-of-pocket expenses. To alleviate this stress, we focus our efforts
on the specific needs of each family we help through fundraisers, blood drives,
various events, and community donations.
The Armer Foundation For Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to easing the
financial burdens of families with children battling extreme medical conditions. When
health insurance is not enough, we assist with copays, premiums, deductibles, and any
medical-related out-of-pocket expenses. To alleviate this stress, we focus our efforts
on the specific needs of each family we help through fundraisers, blood drives,
various events, and community donations.
