Oak Park resident inspires blood drive




Oak Park resident Carrie Greenberg’s battle with leukemia has prompted the Chabad of Oak Park and the Chabad of the Conejo to host “Chai Drive For Life,” a blood drive to support people who need blood transfusions to live.

The chai symbol means “life” or “long life” In Hebrew.

The blood drive, conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is slated for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 29 at the Chabad Center in Agoura Hills.

Greenberg’s treatment depends on infusions of blood and platelets. Her close friend David Markowicz, also a resident of Oak Park, heard of her plight and organized what he hopes will become an annual blood drive.

In a note to The Acorn, Greenberg said, “The blood drive will support many in need, giving the gift of life. I am truly grateful for the exceptional care I am receiving at Cedars-Sinai, and this community event is a wonderful way to show our support and appreciation.”

Oak Park resident Harry Medved said the drive will help find blood matches for Greenberg as well as other people in need of blood and platelets. The drive will also look for matches for people needing bone marrow.

The City of Hope, he said, is involved in the effort through their “Be the Match” donor registry drive.

The Chabad Center in Agoura Hills is at 30345 Canwood St. Walk-ins are welcome at the blood drive, but people can register in advance for specific times by visiting the Chabad of Oak Park’s Facebook page or by signing up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044caaaf2fa2fd0-chai.

Stephanie Bertholdo



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