Warwick sponsors blood and bone marrow registration

WARWICK - He was there for all of us on 9/11 and now he asks for your help. New York City firefighter Roy Chelsen, a 20-year veteran, who served during the days of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center, has been diagnosed with myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow) and will undergo an autologous (his own) stem cell transplant in early October. Chelsen, who lives in Warwick with his wife, Trish, has been fighting this disease for the last year, through chemotherapy treatments, surgery and numerous transfusion therapies. This Saturday, Sept. 30, the Goodwill Hook & Ladder Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a blood and bone marrow drive from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in honor of Chelsen, who also is a former Warwick Fire Department volunteer fire fighter. Local residents are urged to come to this Blood Drive at the Warwick Fire Department Station No. 1, Church Street Extension, to donate a pint of blood to help Roy Chelsen, or someone like him, in need of a life-saving blood transfusion. More important, volunteers are asked to register in the “National Marrow Donor Program.” “You may be the match for someone who is currently waiting to find a compatible bone marrow donor to save their life,” said Drive Chairperson Heather Gardner. “And you only need to enter the bone marrow registry once in your lifetime. But you could turn out to be somebody’s life saving match at any time.” Donors must be between 16 and 76 years of age and in good health. They should also bring identification and know their social security numbers. There are also some other restrictions. For more information or to make an appointment, call Gardner at 845-986-0573. Walk-ins are welcome.