Cancer Survivor And Family Give Back With Local Blood Drive

Massapequa, NY — Massapequa cancer survivor Aliyah Petrone and her family know firsthand how critical blood supply is for those in need and held a blood drive this past weekend during a crucial time for blood donation. The holiday season typically sees 2,000-3,000 less pints donated than normal, according to the New York Blood Center. On Saturday the family's efforts resulted in 34 donations.

Petrone was diagnosed with Leukemia as a college student and needed multiple blood and platelet transfusions. Now a survivor, she and her parents tell Patch they are grateful to the Massapequa community for volunteering during such a busy time of the year. The drive was held at Marjorie Post Park Community Center this past Saturday.

Bonnie Petrone, Aliyah's mother says that the drive equates to "saving well over 100 lives."

Aliyah was the subject of a YouTube video in 2018 that had over 3 million views while undergoing her fourth round of chemotherapy.