The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, meaning there is only 1-2 days supply of blood for hospitals.
In response, Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson will hold a Spring Into Action & Give Blood Drive on Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A & B. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcomed if space permits.
Register at https://donate.nybc.org/…/schedules/drive_schedule/322086
In recognition of American Heart Month, New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown and Huntington Town Councilwoman Theresa Mari are partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive at Elwood Public Library, 1929 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Blood Center’s BusMobile will be on-site from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. to welcome donors and support this life-saving cause.
Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to help those in need, as blood donations are essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives, and February—American Heart Month—is the perfect time to make a difference.
“Every blood donation is a gift of life,” said Councilwoman Theresa Mari. “The Town of Huntington is proud to support this critical initiative alongside Assemblyman Keith Brown and the New York Blood Center. We hope to see a great turnout from our community. I urge everyone who is eligible to donate and help make a difference this February.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for donations: “Blood banks are experiencing critically low supplies, we need donors now more than ever. Every drop counts when it comes to saving lives. By donating, you are directly supporting our hospitals, emergency services, and those battling life-threatening conditions.”
For information or to schedule an appointment, visit the New York Blood Center’s website at www.nybc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome as availability permits.
In response to severe blood shortages in our area, NYS Senator Mario Mattera and NYS Senator Dean Murray will sponsor a blood drive at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the center of the mall. Each donor will receive a voucher redeemable for two complimentary tickets to a select New York Islanders regular season home game at USB Arena.
“Every year, millions of people worldwide require blood transfusions. There is an urgent need for blood donations, and your contribution can help save lives!,” said Senator Murray.
Representatives from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department will also be in attendance giving out Operation Safe Child and senior identification cards from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Questions? Call 516-310-2382.
Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring, Commack Fire District Chairman of the Board Pat Fazio joined Susan Ciano, widow of Suffolk County Police Officer Glen Ciano during a press conference at the Commack Fire Department on Jan. 30 to announce the 15th annual blood drive named in memory of Officer Glen Ciano.
The annual event, which will be held on Feb. 1 this year, is held in honor of Officer Ciano, who was responding to a call when he was killed by a drunk driver in Commack on February 22, 2009.
“It’s Glen’s dedication to public service that brings us back to this blood drive each year to save the lives of as many strangers as possible. Most of us assume that if we need blood it will be available, but the reality is that the only way blood will be readily accessible is if people give up just a little bit of their time to donate,” said Commissioner Waring.
“Blood levels are dangerously low and with the cold weather it’s even worse,” added Chairman Fazio.
“This is a celebration for Glen,” said Ciano’s widow. “And that’s why having my fire department family and the police family here, everyone coming in donating blood, this means the world to our family.”
The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations following the holiday season. The blood center has seen a 30% drop in donations, which has resulted in 6,500 fewer donations and crippled the region’s blood supply. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed—especially Types O- and B-, which are both down to just a one- to three-day supply.
The blood drive will be held at the Commack Fire Department, located at 6309 Jericho Turnpike in Commack, on February 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is not necessary to make an appointment.
For more information, please call 631-499-6690.
Vinny Cusumano, a young advocate for blood donations, received over 30 blood and platelet donations through transfusions during his treatment for kidney cancer.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) honored 12-year-old pediatric cancer survivor Vinny Cusumano at their recognition event for top platelet donors at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. Vinny spoke to platelet donors at the event and thanked them for their life-saving contributions to the blood supply. Vinny’s family has been a fierce advocate for blood and platelet donations, partnering with NYBC on blood drives and other awareness campaigns through their nonprofit organization, Vinny’s Army, which is dedicated to supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
In his remarks at the event, Vinny expressed heartfelt gratitude to the platelet donors in attendance. “There was never a question when my doctor told me that I needed a transfusion if one was available,” said Vinny Cusumano. “I know my parents tell me that New York Blood Center always needs donations and this is the reason why. I am the reason why. And I’m standing here today talking to all of you about my story because all of you have helped get me here.”
Vinny Cusumano was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer in October of 2022. He received over 30 donations of blood and platelets through transfusions during the intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments that were needed to save his life.
Vinny’s Army works to support children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing unconditional love and support to ensure no family faces this battle alone. According to NYBC, 25 percent of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. Vinny’s Army has advocated for blood donations to support pediatric cancer patients who may require transfusions for their treatment.
“We are grateful to Vinny Cusumano and his incredible family for their advocacy efforts to ensure that the region has a robust blood supply to serve cancer patients who rely on blood donations for vital treatment,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “From hosting blood drives, to participating in speaking engagements and spreading awareness, Vinny’s Army has been a great partner and we can’t think of a better organization to honor at our platelet donor event.”
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.
To make an appointment at a donor center near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
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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 biomedical 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.
It’s the season of giving. The Town of Smithtown will host a blood drive by New York Blood Center at the Eugene A. Cannataro Senior Citizen Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown on Nov. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every donor will receive a shirt as a gift. To make an appointment, call 1-800-688-0900 or visit www.nybc.org. Walk-ins welcome.
Start the season of giving by giving the gift of life! Stop by Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson for a Fall Blood Drive on Thursday, Oct. 10 in Conference Room A & B from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To make an appointment, visit donate.nybc.org. For more information, call 631-473-1320.
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 50 Route 25A, Smithtown hosts a New York Blood Center community blood drive in its Medical Office Building, Lower Level, on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and on Friday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your ID with your name and photo. Appointments preferred by calling 1-800-933-2566, however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits.
St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket will host a New York Blood Center blood drive in memory of Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m. Appointments are strongly preferred by calling 1-800-933-2566 or by visiting www.nybc.org. Questions? Call Jennifer at 516-310-2382.
By Serena Carpino
The Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa Foundation held its second annual golf outing at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Setauket Monday, July 29. The event honored Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa, who passed away in August 2021 after a three and a half year battle with desmoplastic small-round-cell tumor/sarcoma.
JoJo was an avid athlete who played football and lacrosse at Ward Melville High School. “He was an athlete from the very first minute,” said Gina Mastrantoni, JoJo’s mother and executive director of the foundation. “His very first word was ‘ball,’ so he’s played almost every single sport.”
JoJo was not only a dedicated athlete, but he was often described as kind, friendly and selfless. “He was always looking out for everyone – his friends and family. He was a very loyal friend and brother. Not only for his friends and family, but also for the kid in the next bed at the hospital,” said Emily LaRosa, his older sister and vice president of the organization.
“He struggled so much physically [and] emotionally, and he still had space to think about his family, his friends and other kids that were in the same situation as him. And so I think that shows his selflessness and his ability to have empathy and compassion for other people,” she added.
Mastrantoni said, “He was often worried about me being his caretaker, always checking on me. He was selfless that way.”
Because of his illness, JoJo had to undergo several surgeries, which resulted in him having a large incision down the front of his body. The scar left him unable to be tackled again, leading him to commit himself to golf “as a way to release his anxiety and perfect his swing,” his mother explained. “He was a perfectionist. He was a really driven athlete.”
The foundation chose St. George’s as the location for the outing specifically for several reasons. “We were members at one time. We gave up our membership because we didn’t have time to come with his illness,” Mastrantoni said. Still, JoJo would play with his stepfather’s best friend, Chris Van Tuyl, who was a member. In addition, one of JoJo’s best friends worked in the pro shop and St. George’s was JoJo’s favorite course. “He loved this sport,” Mastrantoni added. “It was meant to be.”
LaRosa further commented on JoJo’s passion for golf: “He played as often as he could, even when he was sick. It was a way for him to escape and one of his favorite hobbies.”
She explained how the foundation plans to use the funds collected from the outing. She highlighted that the event’s purpose is not only to celebrate JoJo’s memory and keep his legacy alive, but also “provide support to other children and families that are in similar situations to my brother when he was sick. Specifically young patients who have cancer, diseases or illnesses. We’re raising funds to be able to do all those things to give back to those afflicted.”
The outing is not the only way the organization is committed to helping families in need. During the winter holidays, they hold a toy drive, collecting and donating toys to hospitals in the area as well as out of state.
This past year, “We went [from] five hospitals to nine hospitals [to which] we gave toys in his name,” JoJo’s mother said.
Furthermore, the foundation is holding a blood drive on Aug. 8 at St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A in Setauket from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m.
“He needed so much blood during his illness,” Mastrantoni explained. “I can’t even count the number of transfusions that he needed. At his last surgery he needed 80 units of blood, which I think is like 35 people’s [donations]. And there’s a blood shortage right now so we’re doing this in his honor for other people.”
More information can be found at jojostrong.org.
