A blood and platelet drive honoring Howell High School student Riley Risden will be held Wednesday to help children battling cancer and support future patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.
Freehold, NJ – The Howell Township Police Department is encouraging residents to donate blood or platelets during Riley’s Gift of Life Blood & Platelet Drive, a community event inspired by a Howell teenager’s battle with leukemia.
The drive will take place Wednesday, July 1, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Adelphia Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 2, located at 993 Route 33 in Freehold.
Inspired by a teen’s recovery
The event honors Riley Risden, a 15-year-old freshman at Howell High School, who recently completed treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
During her months of treatment, Riley relied on numerous blood and platelet transfusions as part of her care.
“During her months of treatment, Riley relied on multiple blood and platelet transfusions to give her the strength to fight,” the Howell Township Police Department said. “Now, it’s our turn to step up and give back.”
Donors encouraged to make appointments
The blood drive is being held in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, which is encouraging donors to schedule appointments in advance through giveblood.rwjbh.org.
According to event organizers, successful whole blood donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a $10 Wawa gift card, while successful platelet donors will receive a $20 Wawa gift card. Donors are asked to bring a photo ID and eat and drink before donating.
Organizers hope the event will help replenish blood supplies while honoring Riley’s recovery and supporting children currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Key Points
- Riley’s Gift of Life Blood & Platelet Drive will be held Wednesday at Adelphia Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 2 in Freehold.
- The event honors Howell High School student Riley Risden, who recently completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Donors will receive thank-you gifts, and appointments are encouraged through RWJBarnabas Health.
Related: Howell Township Police Department, Howell High School, RWJBarnabas Health, Blood Donation, Childhood Cancer
Sources: Howell Township Police Department, RWJBarnabas Health.