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BROOKLYN - New York City Firefighters from Brooklyn's Ladder Company 175/Engine Company 332 are beginning a community public awareness campaign and blood drive, following confirmation that one of their own house members has been diagnosed with leukemia.
In October 2007, while responding to a serious car accident at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Pitkin avenues in Brooklyn, two New York City firefighters were exposed to the blood of one of the victims, requiring that they be tested for possible blood-borne diseases.
When the results came back an unfortunate discovery was made. One of the firefighters, Kevin Lennon, was diagnosed with leukemia. To create a support network for Firefighter Lennon and his family, the members of the company decided to ask the community to give blood and register as bone marrow donors so others with this disease can be helped.
On April 12, in cooperation with the Long Island Blood Center, members of Ladder 175 and Engine 332 will hold a blood drive and bone marrow testing, at the Greenlawn Volunteer Fire Department at 23 Blvd. Avenue in Greenlawn, Long Island. Lennon lives in the town.
“The members of our company decided that we must be there for Kevin as he battles this disease, but equally there are thousands of other leukemia sufferers who can benefit from greater awareness of just how simple it is to be a bone marrow registrant and to give,” said Firefighter Dean Psathas, the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Delegate from Ladder 175.
New York City Firefighters have long been considered among the largest single group of bone marrow registrants in the United States. While going through the fire academy, every New York City firefighter is requested to register as a donor, should their marrow be a match for someone battling leukemia.
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