DONATE BLOOD AND HELP SAVE LIVES!
Blood Recipient Matthew Long
Conquers New York Marathon
After 68 blood transfusions, 4.5 year recovery,
FDNY Survivor beats estimated time
In an incredible return to the New York City Marathon,
athlete Matthew Long, a blood transfusion recipient of New York Blood Center
(NYBC), finished the November 2nd 2008, race in 7 hours, 21
minutes.
Long, 42, beat his estimated finish time by more than an
hour. His initial goal was to complete the 26.2 mile, 5 borough race in
roughly 8 to 10 hours.
Matthew Long, a New York City firefighter, former triathlete
and competitive marathoner, was critically injured when he was hit by a
40,000 pound charter bus while biking to work during the New York transit
strike in December, 2005. He received 68 blood transfusions in the first
24 to 48 hours following his accident. He suffered multiple fractures,
internal injuries and massive internal bleeding. He was hospitalized for
five months, and has undergone approximately 40 operations and hundreds of
hours of physical therapy. Doctors called his recovery a miracle.
“I had a 1% chance of living. The tremendous outpouring of
New Yorkers, strangers and friends who donated blood was a huge, huge help
in my time of need,” Long said. “People who donate blood played a huge part
of saving my life.”
At least eight blood drives in Matthew’s name were organized
by family members, friends, the New York City Fire Department and various
organizations, in conjunction with New York Blood Center.
RYE PBA Sponsored Blood Drive
Friday, June 25, 2010
12:00pm-6:00pm
Rye Recreation Center
281 Midland Avenue, Rye, NY 10580
Appointments encouraged -Walk-Ins Welcome
Contact Karen
O'Donnell at 967-2535 or kodonnell@ryeny.gov. at
to schedule an appointment .
For medical eligibility questions, call 1-800-688-0900.
Please bring ID with photo or signature. Eat well and drink fluids before
you donate
Each time you donate blood, you will receive
Red Cell Advantage
points redeemable for a wide
variety of exciting gifts. For more information, visit
www.redcelladvantage.com
Thanks for your help!
