June 3, 2018 – Legislator Leslie Kennedy
(R-Nesconset) hosted her annual blood drive benefiting Cooley’s anemia at the
Smithtown Day Street Fair. Legislator Kennedy collaborated with the Order Sons
of Italy in America and the Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge to collect lifesaving blood
to help those afflicted with Cooley’s anemia.
Cooley’s anemia, also known as Thalassemias
is an inherited disease, which is characterized by abnormal hemoglobin
production. Individuals living with this disease are at increased risk of
infection; they often have spleen issues, and are at a higher risk of developing
heart issues.
Leslie and her team were able to
collect forty pints of blood from 49 willing participants despite weather
conditions being less than optimal. All those who donated were presented with a
Baskin Robbins coupon, which entitles each donor to a pint of ice cream.
“It was my pleasure to work with the Sellaro Lodge
and New York Blood Center on this blood drive,” Legislator Kennedy stated, “I
am very proud of those in my community who came out to donate lifesaving blood.”
Legislator Leslie Kennedy’s next blood drive will be
held on June 25th at the Lake Grove Village Hall. New York Blood
Center will be on site from 2 pm to 8 pm.
For more information about this event or other
events in the community, please call our office at (631)-854-3735 or log onto
Legislator Kennedy’s Facebook page at facebook.com/legislatorlesliekennedy.