Blood Drive in Memory of 9/11 Hero and Former Hartsdale Fire Commissioner Peter Woods -March 8
Peter Woods’ 15-year battle with 9/11-related leukemia highlights the critical need for blood donations for first responders
New York Blood Center (NYBC) will be hosting a blood drive at the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, March 8th from 8:00am to 2:00pm. The blood drive will be held in memory of resident Peter Woods, who served as the Hartsdale Fire Commissioner before losing his battle with leukemia related to his service as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks. Peter’s daughter Anna Woods has continued his legacy as a dedicated blood donor and advocate. Learn more about Peter and Anna’s story here: “Get MAD” — Make A Difference. Anna’s donor story – YouTube
Peter was a beloved and impactful figure in the Hartsdale community. He served as Fire Commissioner, was a dedicated parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, and worked as a Police Sergeant with the NYPD. He was a passionate advocate for blood donations and often spoke at New York Blood Center events, urging people to donate blood so it would always be available for those in need, just as it had been for him during his treatments.
First responders like Peter risk their lives daily, facing exposure to toxic substances that significantly increase their risk of developing cancers, including leukemia. A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that firefighters face an increased risk of leukemia due to exposure to hazardous substances like benzene, which is often released in fires. Every blood donation can help ensure that cancer patients—especially those who have spent their careers protecting others—get the treatment they need.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sacred Heart Church (School Gym), 59 Wilson St. Hartsdale, NY 10530
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, Sacred Heart Church Representatives, and New York Blood Center Representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
