Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University is set to hold a blood drive on April 16 in honor of Aidan Fischer, a 23-year-old Long Island resident facing cancer for the third time. The event will take place at the Student Activities Center Ballroom A from 11 am to 8 pm.

The blood drive acknowledges both Fischer and the 35,000 individuals, referred to as Seawolves, who have participated in blood donation over the last two decades in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Each donated pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.

Organized by Kate Valerio, a volunteer and advisor with the Stony Brook University Blood Drive Committee, the event is supported by SBU alumna Melanie Formosa, a close friend of Fischer’s. Jenine Saccente, the mother of Fischer, expressed her hope that the blood drive will increase awareness about the need for platelet and granulocyte donations, with granulocytes being a specific type of white blood cell.

Christopher Fischer, Aidan’s father, is noted to work as a trauma education coordinator at the Stony Brook Trauma Center. Appointments for blood donation can be made through the New York Blood Center Donor Portal.