ROCHESTER — Over 30 community members came to the Rochester Fire Department on Saturday, Aug 5 to donate their blood in honor of three-year-old Rylie Dion’s battle with chronic illness.

Dion is a Rochester resident who is struggling with Nontuberculous mycobacteria, a disease which affects the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes help the body fight back against infection and diseases.

According to Dion’s mom, Kristi Weigel, Dion is “hanging in there.”

“She is still fighting her infections but she is doing really well,” she said. 

Weigel said that the family is expecting test results to determine Dion’s next treatment plan. 

She added that they are thankful for the Rochester community and surrounding communities that have shown support. 

“It is amazing,” she said. “We are very grateful for everyone who has shown up for us.”

As donors signed in, Dion greeted them with a smile and happily handed out pink “Rally for Rylie” stickers and bracelets. 

“She is very happy and smiley you would never know that she was sick,” said Weigel. “She is a fighter.”