Patients Issue Summer Call to Action: 'We Need You to Donate Blo...( NEW YORK Aug. 3 /- Three New Yo...),Health

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Three New York Blood Center (NYBC) patients are taking to the airwaves to recruit new blood donors, and encourage existing blood donors to donate blood NOW. Demand for blood has been very high this summer from the 200 hospitals served by NYBC and its regional operations in New York City, Brooklyn / Staten Island, Long Island, Hudson Valley, and New Jersey. NYBC expects this campaign to help boost current blood supply levels, which are flagging as the summer unfolds.

Here's an overview of the three profiled patients, as featured on the radio campaign starting today:

Stacey Mason-Sotille

Stacey Mason-Sotille, a 37-year old mother of two, was 11 months old when she was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. The disease has caused gall bladder disease, pulmonary hypertension and temporary blindness. "I've been in and out of the hospital three to four times a year," Stacey Mason said. "I need the blood provided from the New York Blood Center. Without it, I wouldn't be here and wouldn't be able to share my life with my children."

Matthew Long

Matthew Long, a New York City firefighter and 9-11 hero, was struck by a bus in 2005 and nearly killed. He received 68 units of donated blood. "I've always given blood annually and never thought I would be a recipient of blood. In the past two and a half years, I've had over 40 surgeries, and I'm sure there was blood on hand for each one of them," he said.

Vivian Martinez

Vivian Martinez, 17, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth and requires a transfusion of red blood cells every four to five weeks, made possible by the generosity of those who donate blood. "My whole childhood was just disrupted by it... constantly going in and out of the hospital. I had no hope. The moment I first got transfused, I lifted up my hand and it
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