June 2, 2019 – 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 Major or Mediterranean 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 and liver issues, and are at a higher risk of developing heart issues.
Leslie and her team were able to collect donations from 53 people, saving the lives of 159 others. All those who donated were presented with a two free tickets to go to a New York Mets game.
“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 24th at the Lake Grove Village Hall in conjunction with Brookhaven Councilman Kevin Lavalle and Mayor of Lake Grove Robert Scottaline. 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.