July 30, 2013 - Shirley, NY - Two years ago it was announced that six year old Nora Getchell had a rare blood disease called “Severe Aplastic Anemia” that required constant blood transfusions and left her susceptible to contracting diseases more easily. Nora also needed a bone marrow transplant in order to cure herself of the rare disorder. In 2011 the Tri-Hamlet community organized multiple blood drives and bone marrow registry drives for Nora. Donors from all over Long Island showed up to support the six year old resulting in hundreds of pints of blood being donated and hundreds of potential donors being added to the bone marrow registry.
On February 10, 2012 news came that Nora had found a match and one week later Legislator Browning (WF-Shirley) and Governor Andrew Cuomo teamed up to pave the way for her procedure to be covered at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. The procedure was completed and for many months there was a very positive outlook. Now 7 years old, the girl from Mastic Beach needs our help again.
The marrow transplant is failing, and Nora needs blood while awaiting her second transplant. In order to rally help for Nora the community has scheduled another huge blood drive, and all donors will be receiving a pair of free Mets tickets for donating blood. Some local businesses are donating gift cards, items to raffle off, plus there will be a 50\50 raffle.
The blood drive will be held on Tuesday, August 6 from 3-9pm at the Shirley BINGO Hall located at 78 McGraw Street, Shirley NY 11967. Legislator Browning is urging everyone to attend. Not only will it help Nora, but there is a shortage of blood and any donations will help save additional lives as well.
“Nora has been an inspiration to us all as she continues to fight this disease with conviction and determination,” stated Legislator Kate Browning. “We need to remain committed as a community to helping her overcome this disorder, and this blood drive will go a long way in aiding Nora as well as hundreds of residents who require blood transfusions.”