HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – More than 100 people showed up at the Miller Street Firehouse Saturday in an effort to save lives by donating blood.
The blood drive was to support several area residents in their fight against cancer:
• Aaron Perkins – Hackettstown Police Sergeant
• Molly Gorczyca – Hackettstown High School Graduate
• Maddy Holloway – Hackettstown Middle School Student
Hackettstown Police Sergeant Aaron Perkins was diagnosed in 2019 with renal carcinoma and during treatment he required blood transfusions.
“I know without those transfusions from donated blood, I wouldn’t be here today. Coordinating this blood drive is my opportunity to give back and help others,” Perkins said.
A total of 162 units of blood were donated, according to the PBA.
“Blood donation is the act of giving life. Your time spent today donating blood is going to give life to someone in need,” PBA said.
Blood products have a short shelf life – from five to 42 days, so constant replenishment is necessary. Each day there are patients who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive. But blood and blood products can’t be manufactured. They can only come from volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center, according to the New York Blood Center.
The PBA also thanked the Hackettstown Fire Department for allowing them to hold the blood drive at the firehouse.
Donors cited different reasons for why they gave blood.
Below are a few people who attended the blood drive and why they came:
