MANSFIELD — This December marks the sixth year since Sam Tridico’s passing. Though he’s no longer here to flash his sheepish grin and bright blue eyes, his memory is alive.
That’s been made possible partly because of a blood drive held in his honor each year at St. Peter’s, where he used to attend school.
This year’s blood drive is slated for Wednesday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will take place at St. Peter’s Franciscan Activity Center, located at 111 W. First St. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org, using the sponsor code, SPHS.
In October 2010, Sam was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia — a rare blood disorder. He was 4 years old.
Over the next two months, he received 16 red blood cell and 26 platelet transfusions.
“Those transfusions are what helped keep Sam seemingly healthy and home with our family as much as possible as his treatment was beginning,” said his mother, Judy Tridico.
Thankful for all the donors that helped Sam share more smiles, laughs and hugs with his family, the Tridico family has organized its own blood drive as a way to pay it forward.
“People I’ll never know gave him a chance to fight,” Judy said. “Since I can’t hug them and thank them personally for their amazing gift, we can encourage others to give.”
The first blood drive was held in 2011 during the month of April in celebration of Sam’s birthday on April 14.
“This helps to share not just one amazing boy’s life spirit, but shares the valuable gift of life with many others,” Judy said.
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