PEDIATRIC CANCER SURVIVOR PROMOTES LIFE-SAVING BLOOD DONATION EFFORTS

By Dennis T Wang

Introduction

With expertise in business growth and brand development, Dennis T. Wang serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Principal Officer of the global fashion company Alexander Wang, Inc. Dennis T. Wang combines his professional interests with his dedication to philanthropy as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

In a recent press release, the American Red Cross reminded supporters that a visit to the hospital to make platelet and blood donations helps save the lives of patients around the country, such as that of 12-year-old Peter Zucca from Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Peter was diagnosed with pediatric cancer when he was just 10 months old, and he needed more than 50 blood transfusions before the age of 2. In 2013, Peter’s right leg was amputated due to a tumor, but the young baseball player and swimmer has since conquered cancer with the help of dedicated medical professionals and blood transfusions.

Pediatric Cancer

To help other children with serious health conditions and ensure that they have access to life-saving blood, Peter recently hosted a blood drive that received more than 100 donations. The young cancer survivor also founded The Peter Powerhouse Foundation to raise funds for pediatric cancer treatment centers and provide financial support to research focused on bettering the lives of survivors of childhood cancer.

Since blood and platelet donations frequently decline during summer months, the Red Cross notes that all blood types are welcome, with particular need for types AB, A negative, O negative, and B negative.