Hammond vs. Hobart in Nancy Snider Memorial Blood Drive

Nancy-Snider-Flier-2016The Indiana cities of Hobart and Hammond will pay tribute to an award-winning educator and community activist by urging people to donate lifesaving blood during the Nancy Snider Memorial Challenge. The challenge is a friendly competition between the two cities to see which can encourage the most blood donations. The event will take place over two days: Wednesday, May 18 at the Hobart High School Field House, 2211 E. 10th Street in Hobart, and Thursday, May 19 at the Jean Shepherd Community Center, 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr. in Hammond. The hours for the drive are 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. in both locations.

“Nancy loved making a difference in people’s lives and she inspired so many,” said her husband, C. Wayne Snider, Sr. “This challenge, involving two communities she loved, is a great way to honor her life and her dedication to paying it forward.”

In 2005, Nancy Snider was named Indiana Elementary School Principal of the Year, one of many honors during her 25 years as an educator. The Hobart native started her career as an elementary school teacher later serving as an assistant principal, principal and Title I director in Hammond, her second home.

While battling brain cancer for more than 14 months, Nancy continued to work and volunteer in the community. In hopes of finding a cure for future patients, she volunteered for a clinical study on brain cancer treatment. She passed away on May 15, 2014 at age 47.

“It's a fitting memorial for Nancy that the two cities that were closest to her heart are coming together in her honor,” said Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor. “The City of Hobart is proud to be a part of this and we look forward to the challenge.”

Blood and platelet donations are needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

“This event is such a wonderful way to celebrate Nancy and her contribution to the lives of so many people in our communities,” said Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. “By giving about an hour of their time, each and every blood donor can help save the lives of up to three people.”

Hobart beat Hammond last year, so the traveling trophy resides in Hobart. Mayor McDermott wants to display that trophy in Hammond City Hall this year.

The Nancy Snider Memorial Challenge is sponsored by the Nancy Snider Memorial Fund, the City of Hammond, the City of Hobart, School City of Hobart and Superintendent Peggy Buffington, Ph.D., School City of Hammond and Superintendent Dr. Walter J. Watkins, and the Hammond Education Foundation. Organizers hope to make this blood drive an annual event.