Bayonne to Hold Blood Drive Honoring 12-Year Old Boy with Leukemia

12-year old Dantae Rodriguez of Bayonne was diagnosed with T-ALL, a form of leukemia, in December of 2019.  Prior to being diagnosed with leukemia, Dantae has managed Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, G6PD Deficiency (blood disorder), seizures, Autism, Sotos Syndrome, and ADHD.

In April of last year, if all of that weren’t enough, Dantae contract COVID-19 and had to be hospitalized.  On April 29, 2020, doctors announced Dantae was in remission. But since then, Dantae has had numerous hospital stays due to complications from his chemotherapy.

Dantae is fighter though, and since the end of last December he has entered the maintenance of his treatment and he is doing very well.

Despite going through so much in his young life, this boy has learned the importance of blood and what it means to life.  That’s why he is encouraging the public to donate blood so others can live a healthy life.

Family and friends are asking the public to consider making an appointment to give blood at the Senior Community Center at Story Court on Thursday, May 20th between 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The exact address is 16 W. 4th Street, next to St. Andrew’s Church.  To make an appointment, you can visit www.nybc.org/donate or text 732-616-8736. Appointments encouraged, Walk-ins welcome if social distancing can be maintained. Please help spread the word.  For further information, contact Shauna Lynch at 732-616-8736, or email slynch@nybc.org.