Statistics say that 41,000 blood donations are needed every day. While several uses exist for donated blood, the Tridico family saw just how impactful it is four years ago when it helped prolong the life of four-year-old Sam Tridico for two months after his diagnosis of a very rare blood disorder. In his memory, there will be a blood drive on Tuesday, April 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the gym at St. Peter’s Franciscan Activity Center.
In October of 2010, Sam Tridico was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells. Mother, Judy Tridico, stated that he was often in and out of the hospital and his illness prevented him from attending school at St. Peter’s Montessori.
Over the course of his illness, he received 16 red blood cell and 26 platelet transfusions.
Judy Tridico expressed her gratitude for those who donated blood, helping sustain the life of her child for two months after his diagnosis. “I’ll never be able to thank them for those two months they gave to his brothers, sisters, and family,” she said.
Her sister, Jayce Jones, suggested to host a blood drive in Sam Tridico’s memory as a way of paying the kindness that they received forward, said Judy Tridico.
The first blood drive was held in 2011 during the month of April in celebration of Sam Tridico’s birthday on April 14. Three years later, the Tridicos are keeping the tradition alive. “It gives us an opportunity to celebrate his birthday, and with every donation, it touches somebody’s life, not just the person [affected by an illness] but also everybody that cares about that person,” she said.
Feedback about this year’s drive has been positive—Judy Tridico mentioned that she’s been approached by students who are happy to say that they can finally donate blood to support the cause. Hearing that “means so much,” she said.
She added that while she is especially grateful and appreciative of those willing to sign up for this blood drive, signing up for any blood drive is good, she said, because one has the opportunity to affect many peoples’ lives in a beneficial way by giving blood.
As of Tuesday, April 1, 63 donors have registered and 87 slots remain open. To register to donate call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: SPHS.
Sam Tridico is survived by parents, Todd and Judy Tridico, and siblings, Michael and Sophie Tridico. Michael Tridico created the slideshow video of his brother, which can be viewed at the side.
