Grateful Patient’s Family hosts Oct. 22 Blood Drive

A Perinton family is hosting a blood drive to raise awareness of aortic dissection and support the American Red Cross, which helped Mark Landers when he was hospitalized for the life-threatening condition. Donations will be taken from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Rapid Express Car Wash, 1200 Fairport Road.

Landers suffered the aortic dissection – a serious condition caused by bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood out of the heart – in March 2010 and during his extensive treatment, Strong Memorial Hospital doctors used dozens of pints of blood, according to his wife, Michelle Landers.

The family wants to encourage people to participate and support the American Red Cross. For more information about donating blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS.