One pint of blood can make a big difference, especially in the treatment of pediatric cancer. The Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer, Inc. will hold its ninth annual Hugs for Sarah Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, March 24.
The blood drive is named in honor of Sarah Weippert, who lost her fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in November 2002 at 12 years old. Many children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer require numerous blood transfusions, as Sarah did during her nine-month battle.
Founded in 2003 by Sarah’s parents, Matthew and Marissa Weippert, the foundation has partnered with Long Island Blood Services for this annual blood drive. Donors must be 17 to 75 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health (16-year-olds may donate with parental consent and those 76 and older need a doctor’s note).
“We hope community members will continue their generous support and join us in honoring Sarah’s life and memory by giving blood to help save the lives of others,” said Matthew Weippert, president of the foundation.
The blood drive will be held at the William P. Bennett Community Center, 28 W. Carl St. in Hicksville, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call Marissa Weippert at 516-433-9745 or email Matt.Weippert@TheSarahGraceFoundation.org.
