New York Blood Center (NYBC) will be hosting a blood drive at the Massapequa Fire Department on Thursday, January 2nd from 1:45pm to 7:45pm. The blood drive will be in honor of Aliyah Petrone, a courageous young woman from Massapequa who battled and survived an aggressive form of leukemia.
In the fall of 2017, during her freshman year of college, Aliyah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She relied on many blood and platelet transfusions throughout her treatment that played a critical role in her recovery.
Aliyah is now in remission and has channeled her experience into action by hosting an annual blood drive with NYBC. She hosted her first blood drive in December 2017, with a goal of giving back to her community and raising awareness about the vital role blood donations play in saving lives.
“Dance has always been my passion, and as I continue to perform, teach, and work toward a doctorate in clinical psychology, I’m reminded of how precious life is,” said Aliyah Petrone. “My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the blood and platelet donations that helped save my life. Your donation can be the reason someone else gets a second chance.”
“Aliyah’s strength and resilience is truly inspiring. She has overcome her own health challenges while becoming a passionate advocate for blood donations and New York Blood Center is proud to call her a valued partner,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at the New York Blood Center. “We are grateful for folks like Aliyah who spread awareness about the need for blood and who serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
WHEN: Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 1:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
WHERE: Massapequa Fire Department - Main Meeting Room, 515 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY, 11758
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, and New York Blood Center representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.