6th annual Mark Vasquez Memorial Blood Drive

Mark Vasquez joined the Manhattan Beach Police Department in 2005 and worked in patrol until he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2007. Throughout treatment, Vasquez maintained his positive outlook and remained committed to his family and work. His fellow officers quickly nicknamed Vasquez “Superman.” Unfortunately, Manhattan Beach lost its Superman May 15, 2011.

 

Every year on Vasquez’s birthday, his surviving family ─ his wife, Lee, and their two daughters, Madison and Ashley ─ friends, and colleagues gather to remember Vasquez’s larger-than-life personality and help others by holding a blood drive.

 

To honor this hometown hero and his valiant spirit, the Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association, the family of Vasquez and the American Red Cross invite the community to donate blood at the upcoming blood drive. Those who come to donate can enjoy an on-site cookout and get a $10 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

 

 

Monday, May 22
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Joslyn Community Center Room

1601 N. Valley Dr.

 

“Year after year, I am grateful for the unwavering support this community continues to have for our family,” said Lee Sibbald, Vasquez’s surviving wife. “Our efforts to keep Mark’s memory alive could not be possible without the community’s support. This blood drive is not only a celebration of his life, but a chance to give back. I know he would be proud of us. Come out and join us. Your donation could help save a life!”

 

To give blood in memory of Mark Vasquez simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code markvasquez to make an appointment.

 

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.