Blood Drive in Honor of Westborough Teen Battling Cancer

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Since this January, Corinne Sciarappa has needed four units of blood and 32 units of platelets to insure she's healthy during treatment for cancer.

Sciarappa, at 14, was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer that affects tissue in large muscles of the trunk, arms, and legs. After intensive treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for the past 13 months, Corinne's mom Pauline happily reported that April 22 was Sciarappa's final day of chemotherapy and treatment.

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The Westborough community has rallied around the Sciaraapa family in many ways, including hosting several blood drives. Friends and family are once again hosting a Red Cross blood drive in honor of Sciarappa, and to help others who are facing treatment, at this drive on Wednesday, May 18, from 2-8 p.m. at the Congregational Church at 57 West Main St.

"Please consider showing your support for cancer patients like Corinne by donating at this drive in her honor," said said Llyse Levine-Kanji, who is helping to publicize the event. "Even if you are unable to donate blood, please stop by to help celebrate the end of Corinne's treatment and participate in a drawing for an autographed Red Sox jersey."

All proceeds from the drawing benefit the Jimmy Fund Clinic/Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

"The Sciarappa family has learned first hand how incredible the people and programs are at the JFC and what a supportive space they provide for patients and their families," said Levine-Kanji. "Blood donors will automatically be entered to win a pair of Red Sox tickets - and possibly be invited onto the field as 'the blood donor of the game.'"

To make an appointment to donate call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code: Corinne.