People came to the Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw Tuesday to roll up their sleeves and donate the gift of life.

The blood drive was also an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of the bone marrow registry. Jesse Spina, of New City, was just 14 years old when he died of Ewings sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. While Jesse could not benefit from bone marrow donation, he knew many kids could. Before he died, he helped create drives for the friends he met while in the hospital, now called Jesse's Wish.

Roy Chelsen was a New York City firefighter during 9/11, who was able to escape the burning towers but not the toxic dust. Chelsen was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of blood cancer. He was forced to retire from the fire department and is currently home recuperating from six months of treatment. His sister was at the hospital to donate blood. She says people never know whose life they may be able to save by donating.

Related InformationNew York Blood CenterJesse Spina