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Daniel Turner, 10, is battling leukemia and several Somers mothers are hoping this blood drive will help get the word out about Daniel's need for blood transfusions.
The blood drive will be held at Somers Intermediate School on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Daniel was on summer vacation in the United Kingdom when he was getting wheezy and out of breath and was taken to the doctor. Daniel was diagnosed in September with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
He completed the first phase of his chemotherapy in the United Kingdom and spent six weeks in the hospital. He was well enough to go home after six weeks and is receiving treatments at Maria Ferari Children's Hospital in Valhalla.
Daniel has received eight blood transfusions and four platelet transfusions since he began treatment.
Keeva Young Wright's son met Daniel in pre-school. Wright, president of the Northern Westchester Hospital Foundation, said she knows the importance of people giving blood.
"When I found out Daniel was diagnosed with leukemia, I wanted to do something to help the family," Wright said.
Daniel's mother said two best things would be to organize a blood drive and to have Daniel's friends e-mail him that they were thinking of him.
Wright said Daniel was an amazing little boy.
"He is very strong," Wright said. "He is not able to be in school which is very difficult. It's heartbreaking for me and his friends. They constantly ask when he can come back to school. Daniel is a fighter."
Wright said it warms her heart seeing the community rally around Daniel.
"They really care about the children," Wright said. "I am just thrilled."
Victoria Durso, who helped organize the event, has been neighbors with Daniel and his family for years. She praised him for his positive attitude.
"Daniel has his ups and downs but one thing for sure. ... He's almost always smiling," Durso said.
To donate blood, you can sign up in advance at https://drm.nybloodcenter.org/PublicScheduler/Schedule/SiteSearch.aspx?postalCode=10589
Click donate blood and type in Somers to book an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. For donor information, please visit http://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/become-donor/can-i-donate-blood/.
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