Blood Drive in Memory of Stacey Leondis

Garden City brothers Bobby and Jake Menges are hosting a blood drive July 25 in loving memory of Garden City resident Stacey Leondis, who lost her life to osteocarcoma five years ago at the age of 23.

This is the brothers' third blood drive. There is a critical shortage of blood, with 0- being in particular demand, the Menges said.

The bloodmobile will be parked on the corner of Cedar Place and Hilton Ave. between 2 and 8 p.m. Email emenges430@verizon.net to reserve a spot.

Stacey Leondis was an incredible young woman, and an inspiration to Bobby when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 10 years ago, according to the Menges family.

Both osteocarcoma and neuroblastoma are rare but highly aggressive forms of pediatric cancer.

As cancer patients, Stacey and Bobby both received many units of red blood and platelets throughout their treatment. Stacey’s plan was to become a doctor, and she had been accepted to Mount Sinai Medical School after graduating from Yale University, according to the Menges family.

Bobby and Jake believe dedicating a blood drive in Stacey's memory is one small but critically important way to recognize the impact she had on those who knew her, and a way for her to help even those who didn’t.