The Port Jefferson community came together last month to host a special blood drive in honor of Jaxon, a BOCES student at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School. The event aimed to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of blood donation and to help ensure local hospitals had the supply they needed to care for patients.

A representative from the New York Blood Center visited Edna Louise Spear Elementary School to speak with students in grades 3–5 about the importance of donating blood. During the presentation, students learned about donor requirements, what happens during a blood shortage, and how hospitals depend on blood drives to save lives every single day. The session sparked meaningful conversations, with students asking thoughtful questions and gaining a deeper understanding of how one donation can make a powerful difference.

The blood drive held special meaning for the school community. Jaxon was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Shone’s complex, a serious congenital heart condition that required multiple open-heart surgeries. Throughout his medical journey, including time on life support, Jaxon received countless blood transfusions that were critical to his survival and recovery. His experience opened the eyes of his family and school community to the profound importance of blood donations.

“Blood donors helped save Jaxon’s life,” organizers shared. “Hosting this drive was our way of giving back and helping other families who may one day rely on the generosity of strangers.” Community members who met the donation requirements were encouraged to participate in the blood drive. Each donation had the potential to save multiple lives and directly support patients in local hospitals.

Date Added: 3/13/2026