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Get ready to donate: The Blood Bank of Hawaii, or BBH, will be in Waimea and Kona next week.

BBH is returning to Waimea for the first time since 2019 to honor local two-time childhood cancer survivor Abel Walker.

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Abel, who is 12, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2022 and entered remission after chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

In 2024, he began fighting cancer a second time and entered remission again in April 2025. He received many blood transfusions throughout his treatment, and he is encouraging others to donate because it will make a difference for other patients like him.

On Tuesday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., BBH will host a drive in Waimea at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road.

On Wednesday, June 18, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Thursday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., BBH will host a drive in Kona at 75-230 Kalani Street.

BBH invites residents to make an appointment and contribute to Hawaii’s ongoing blood supply needs.

BBH encourages everyone — especially first-time donors — to come out and donate. The participation of local donors statewide is essential in ensuring that Hawaii maintains a steady supply of blood.

Blood drives are held on Maui, Kauai and in Kona and Hilo three times a year to ensure that residents across the state have the opportunity to donate.

Hawaii’s unique island geography makes maintaining a stable blood supply even more critical. By participating in this blood drive, donors directly impact the lives of those facing medical emergencies.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit bbh.org or call (808) 848-4745. Stay updated by following @bloodbankhawaii on social media.