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YARMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The 12th annual Nicholas Xiarhos Blood Drive will have a little extra meaning this year as it looks to help tackle a national blood shortage.
The drive, organized by Cape Cod Healthcare, honors Xiarhos, a marine who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan back in 2009. Xiarhos died after a truck he was driving in was attacked. He survived the initial attack but died in a hospital tent after medics ran out of blood to treat him.
"They gave their last drop and there was none left, and then he passed on," State Rep. Steve Xiarhos, Nicholas' father, said.
The American Red Cross has described the current national blood shortage as the worst in over a decade. Cape Cod Healthcare will be hosting three blood drives as a part of the Nicholas Xiarhos Blood Drive, to help contribute to the blood supply for hospitals on Cape Cod.
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All of the blood donated will go towards helping people on the cape. State Rep. Steve Xiarhos said he's happy to be able to honor his son's life while also contributing to a good cause.
"I know Nick would be proud," State Rep. Xiarhos said. "Right now it's more important than ever [to donate blood]."
The three clinics will run starting on Feb. 12, which would be Nicholas' 34th birthday, and ends on Feb. 14.
WBZ's Tim Dunn (@ConsiderMeDunn) reports.
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