Annual Blood Drive Honors Former Massapequa Resident

MASSAPEQUA, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay its annual blood drive this month in the memory of Bridget McElroy.

In July 2020, McElroy, who grew up in Massapequa, was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. While hospitalized on her 35th birthday in August 2021, she asked her loved ones to donate blood in her honor, instead of celebrating. She passed away just three months later, but her selfless final wish sparked a movement that continues to save lives.

"It was her birthday. It was the first day she could sit up and talk in almost a week and she said, 'All I want for my birthday is for everybody to give blood," her mother Mary McElroy told Patch in 2023.

Now in its fourth year, Bridget’s Birthday Blood Bank will once again be held in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

The blood drive will take place on Saturday, August 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa.

You can scheduled the appointment at the New York Blood Center's website.

“Bridget was an amazing young woman who lost her life to cancer far too soon,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Even at her most vulnerable, she made it her mission to inspire blood donations and help others.”