While the Pittsburgh-Cleveland NFL rivalry may not be a strong as usual this year, there is still a bond between the two cities where it counts — the annual Pittsburgh-Cleveland blood drive challenge.

The challenge, sponsored by the American Red Cross, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Monday at the Shenango Valley VFW, 439 E. State St., Sharon.

Pittsburgh fans have pretty much swamped Cleveland rooters every year. But the sports connection doesn’t matter in the long run, except for winning prizes at the blood drawing. Supposedly Pittsburgh fans bleed Black and Gold and Cleveland fans bleed Orange and Brown, but in reality it’s all red.

And people who need blood don’t care what kind of fan you are, they are grateful to any donor. Every pint of blood can save three lives.

People who donate will be entered in a drawing for an official Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XLIII Champions football or a Cleveland Browns autographed football. Of course the latter would be one you might kick around in the yard.

But there’s another good reason to give that transcends sports. The drive is in honor of a beautiful little girl — Alexis Connors.

The 4-year-old has battled ailments since she was born 13 weeks premature. And she has required numerous blood transfusions. Luckily, her cancer is in remission.

Her parents Jennifer and Patrick Connors of Hermitage are friends of mine. Pat “Junior” and his dad Pat “Senior” were long-time teammates of mine on the Notre Dame softball team. It’s a wonderful, hardworking family and they could use your help.

If you haven’t given blood before, this is a good time to start. It doesn’t hurt much at all to have a need stuck in your arm. Not near as painful as being a Cleveland Browns fan.

And, hey, you get something free to eat and drink afterward.

The Red Cross hopes to collect at least 75 pints of blood and is asking for at least 90 people to come out because some people can’t donate after being screened for certain medical conditions, she said. I have given many times, but unfortunately I had some minor surgery which requires a waiting period and can’t give now to help out Alexis. (I’ll catch up later at one of the weekly collections.)

Anyone who donates blood will receive a card in the mail from the Red Cross identifying their blood type, which is good to have in case of an emergency.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. You can still give even if you are on certain medications, so call the Red Cross office if you have questions or just show up and get the info at the drive.

Anyone who comes might even get a chance to meet Alexis Connors. Believe me, that would make you realize how important it is to give blood to help those who need it.

Despite her ailments, Alexis still has a smile that lights up a room. She enjoys preschool, and also spends several days a week undergoing physical, speech and occupational therapy for cerebral palsy.