More Than 100 Units Gathered At Recent Blood Drive For Local Kid

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) recently hosted a community blood drive at Ocean Fire Company # 1 in Point Pleasant Beach to benefit Giovanni Taurozzi, a local child with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia who is undergoing a bone marrow transplant from a donor that is not related to him. In addition, Taurozzi’s daily treatment for his illness requires daily blood and platelet transfusions.

“Most people are aware of the need for blood reserves to support emergency care, such as trauma, as well as for surgeries. However, patients receiving treatment for cancer of all types, but especially blood cancers, use more blood products than any of these other categories,” Sally Wells, RWJUH Business Development Liaison, said in a statement.

“Having such a successful blood drive only a few short hours after Hurricane Ida was quite an accomplishment. I have learned that when the public understands the need, they respond, and they respond in force, as was the case with this drive. Everyone worked together to make sure there would be blood and platelets available over the long Labor Day holiday weekend.”

The blood drive, which collected more than 100 blood products, was organized by Jennifer Dearborn, a family friend of the Taurozzis, along with a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers along with local businesses including Joe Leone’s, Lenny’s Colonial Market, and Sweet Revenge Chocolates, who donated food, Borden’s Stationery and Office Supplies and Blazing Visuals for helping with the marketing, and the Point Pleasant Beach Beach Fire and Police Departments for their support.

“My family and I extend our heartfelt thanks to all in response to the recent successful blood drive,” Taurozzi said in a statement.

“Our community comes together in a big way wherever there is a need and blood product supplies for emergency and daily needs are low.”