'She Gave Selflessly': Beloved Mother, Wife, Coach Remembered With Blood Drive

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER, NY — A woman who touched countless lives will be remembered Monday as the New York Blood Center hosts a blood drive in her honor.

The blood drive will take place on Monday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Shoreham-Wading River High School cafeteria, located at 50B Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786.

The event will be held in memory of Adrian Gilmore, a beloved wife, mother, teacher, coach, and friend, who unexpectedly passed away in April at the age of 42, organizers said. Adrian leaves a legacy of life through organ donation, those who loved her said.

"Adrian was known for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others. She gave selflessly in life, and even when she passed away, saved lives through organ donation. This blood drive is an opportunity for the community to come together and continue Adrian’s legacy of giving by helping others in need," the New York Blood Center said.

Blood donations often drop in the summer due to school breaks, vacations, and busy summer schedules, but this year’s decline is steeper than anticipated, particularly of types O- and B- blood. Type O-negative is especially vital because it is the universal blood type used in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Summer is also known as "trauma season" because injuries and accidents tend to rise with more daylight and outdoor activities, increasing the need for blood, the New York Blood Center said.

Nearly 25 percent of trauma patients require blood transfusions for treatment, the New York Blood Center said.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800-688-0900.

According to the New York Blood Center: "It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more."

To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. If you can’t donate blood, you can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.