By Keith Paul

American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Communications Director

Not even 20 years old, Joseph Landolfi Jr. had already expressed his desire to spend his life making a difference in the lives of others. His friends, family, and neighbors in North Las Vegas will always remember this caring young man, and they are stepping up to honor his goal.

Joseph was diagnosed with leukemia in January of this year, and as he began transfusions to battle the disease, he was still thinking about how he could help other people. “Even when he was going through treatments, he was talking about starting blood drives,” said his mother, Gloria Landolfi.

“After Joseph would get a transfusion, he would feel and look so much better,” she recalls. “He looked like himself again.” But on February 2, just 16 days after he was diagnosed, leukemia took his life.

On June 4, a blood drive celebrated Joseph’s life. He would have been 20 years old on that day
The young man’s mother and her twin sister, Alexandra Clayton, contacted the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada to fulfill one of Joseph’s goals of starting a blood drive. On his birthday, a blood drive was held at his alma mater, Arbor View High School. More than 75 people showed up to donate blood.

“He was so excited about holding a blood drive and helping the community. I just knew that he would have been so happy that we had the blood drive in his name. He would like that people are helping others,” Gloria says. “Even when he was sick, even in his sickest time, he wanted to help other people.”

His family suspects Joseph had been sick for months before the leukemia diagnosis. Possibly as far back as September, but he ignored or dismissed symptoms until December when he went to an emergency room. “I hope that people listen to their bodies and follow up.” Gloria stresses. “He had so many dreams. He just wanted to do so much for the community.” And he still will.

Joseph’s mother and aunt hope to make the blood drive a yearly event on his birthday
“He would want to educate people about donating blood -- how easy it is to give and how much some people need it,” she says.

This year, 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, and a blood transfusion can be an essential part of cancer treatment. For those undergoing chemotherapy, a blood transfusion can provide relief from some symptoms and improve quality of life, says Rachel Flanigan, American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Executive Director.

“While I never met Joseph, it touches me to hear of someone so young who passionately wanted to make a difference in their community,” Flanigan says. “Joseph saw blood donation as a very intentional way to serve others. He was right – our blood can save lives, and blood recipients are eternally grateful.”

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.