County of Rockland Employees to Host Blood Drive in Honor of Tomkins Cove Child Battling Cancer

County of Rockland employees, in conjunction with New York Blood Center, will host a blood drive in honor of Gabrielle Di Carlo, a five-year-old from Tomkins Cove who is battling cancer, on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Robert L. Yeager Health Center, Building A, Sanatorium Road, Pomona, New York.

Gabrielle is receiving treatment at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Columbia-Presbyterian where she has undergone extensive surgery performed by Dr. Tomoaki Cato, the surgeon who performed similar surgery on then seven-year-old Heather McNamara, who tells her story on a television commercial.  Like Heather, Gabrielle has received numerous transfusions and will likely require additional transfusion support during the course of her treatment. 

Gabrielle is the granddaughter of Rockland County Department of Health retiree Lucy Picariello, whose husband Andy is currently employed in the County’s Health Department as a Food and Recreation Inspector, and the niece of Rockland County Department of Social Services employee Jeannine D’Alisera.  “Every day, I am thankful for the skilled doctors and nurses who care for Gabrielle and the volunteer blood donors whose blood was there for my granddaughter,” said Lucy Picariello. “This blood drive is important, not only for Gabby as she continues to fight, but for all patients in need.  We are also so thankful for the prayers and support of family and friends.”

Jeannine D’Alisera, Gabrielle’s aunt, said, “The employees at the Rockland County Department of Social Services know how important it is to give blood and we encourage all our Rockland friends and neighbors to come out and donate blood to support the community blood supply.” All presenting donors are invited to a complimentary lunch.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment:

Please call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566
Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at another local blood drive.