Every year, the Fair Lawn community comes together to roll up their sleeves in memory of Peter Tyszko. On January 27, 2024, friends, family and community members donated 135 units of blood at an American Red Cross blood drive sponsored by the Peter T Foundation.

WATCH VIDEO

Peter was diagnosed at the age of five with Neuroblastoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer. He was declared cancer-free years later and lived every minute to the fullest. Skiing, snow-boarding, playing games, surfing, riding his dirt bike and swimming competitively. Later, at an annual check-up, doctors found a tumor in Peter’s leg and he was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, another rare form of cancer.

“On January 17^th, our lives changed forever,” said Jola Tyszko, Peter’s mom. “It was the day that Peter passed away.”

The Tyszko family knows the importance of blood donation to patients battling cancer.

“My son had multiple, multiple blood transfusions in his life. Many times, the doctors had to make decisions on when to give him blood because there was a shortage.” Jola explained that at the time, Peter was fighting his second cancer we in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help other children fighting cancer and anyone in need of blood, the Peter T Foundation, created in Peter’s honor, hosts annual blood drives.

Needing a blood transfusion can be an essential part of going through cancer treatment. For those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a blood transfusion might give them relief from some symptoms and improve their quality of life.

_{“We hope that no doctor will ever have to think twice about giving blood to a child in need, having to wait until it’s really critical,” said Jola.}

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS.