Blood drive for girl with aplastic anemia

The Mastic Beach Property Owners Association will hold a blood drive Aug. 9 for a 6-year-old girl in the community who has a rare blood disease.

Nora Getchell suffers from severe aplastic anemia, which occurs when the body stops producing new blood cells. The condition requires the girl to get frequent transfusions while she awaits a bone-marrow transplant that can cure her.

This will be the second blood drive to help Nora. The first, held July 26, collected 108 pints, drawing donors from across Long Island. People with all blood types are eligible to donate.

“The tremendous support and caring that I witnessed at Nora’s blood drive was extraordinary,” said Suffolk County Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), whose office, along with Brookhaven Highway Department volunteers, helped with the event.

Next week’s blood drive will be held from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, 31 Neighborhood Rd. Call 631-399-6111 for more information.