Suffolk family honors loved one’s memory with annual blood drive
A Suffolk County family is honoring the memory of Al Nielson by hosting its 18th annual blood drive in Sound Beach, inspired by the blood transfusions that gave them more precious time with him during his battle with leukemia.
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The family of Al Nielson is hosting its annual blood drive in Sound Beach, continuing a tradition inspired by the blood donations that helped him during his battle with leukemia.
For the 18th year, the Suffolk County family is hosting the blood drive in his memory at Saint Louis de Montfort Church in Sound Beach.
Nielson died in 2008 after a battle with leukemia. His family says the blood transfusions he received during his illness gave them more precious time with him, inspiring them to continue giving back through the annual event.
“When he was sick, he required a lot of blood transfusions. He was a generous and kind man. I know he’d give back what he got, so we could have more time with him,” said Christine Curran, Nielson’s daughter.
The blood drive runs until 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
According to the New York Blood Center, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.
