Middlesex Father, Officer Who Died In 9/11 Attacks Honored With Blood Drive

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is honoring Thomas Gorman, a former Port Authority Police officer, husband and father of three from Middlesex.

Gorman was a long-time blood donor who died when he was 41 in the September 11 attacks.

A month long blood drive is being held throughout Decemeber where those who donate blood in Gorman’s honor will be entered to win a special holiday basket.

Along with the Blood Donor Program, the hospital is also celebrating his birthday on Tuesday, Dec. 27 with a special event.

“Tom was the definition of selfless,” said RWJUH Somerset blood services supervisor Christia Keyte, “We are honored to work with his family to celebrate his legacy in a way that will directly benefit patients in need.”

Gorman was dedicated to serving his community and helping those in need, donating several gallons of blood over the years.

On September 10, 2001, Gorman visited RWJUH Somerset for another regularly scheduled blood donation. The next day, he was killed in the terrorist attacks in lower Manhattan. Gorman helped saved lives in multiple ways, even on his final days.

“He understood the magnitude of each donation, that the blood collected at the hospital would serve patients and neighbors,” said Keyte, “The timing of this drive is critical to help us combat blood shortages that occur during the holidays.”

On Dec. 27 the Blood Donor Program will commemorate Tom’s birthday with special food and giveaways provided to those giving blood at the hospital’s blood donor room. This room is open for those interested in donating blood throughout the year and is located on the first floor of RWJUH Somerset at 110 Rehill Avenue in Somerville.

The blood donor room is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ins. Evening hours are available by appointment only.

Donors are encouraged to make appointments by calling 908-685-2926 or visiting https://www.rwjuhdonorclub.org/. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent for ages 16 and 17), weigh at least 110 lbs. (120 lbs. for 16-year-old donors) and bring photo ID. Donors must feel well on the day of donation and drink plenty of fluids. For questions about medical or travel eligibility, call 908-685-2926.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, visit www.rwjuh.edu. For a referral to a physician affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, please call 1-888-MD-RWJUH. Follow us on Twitter at www.rwjuh.edu/twitter and Facebook at www.rwjuh.edu/facebook. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 908-685-2926 or visit https://www.rwjuhdonorclub.org/.

(Image via RWJUH Somerset: Thomas Gorman of Middlesex)

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