| "Independent",
"athletic" and "outgoing." Those are the words used by
Carol Lombardi to describe her 17-year-old daughter Nicole. |
| From
a recent prom photo, it's hard to imagine that this beautiful
and vibrant young woman is now fighting for her life. |
|
A Morristown High School student who lives in Morris Plains,
Nicole was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and is now at
Hackensack University Medical Center fighting this rare
and dangerous disease. |
| Aplastic
anemia is a condition that results when the bone marrow
stops making sufficient blood cells, leaving the body
susceptible to severe anemia, infections and bleeding.
It can strike at any age. |
| Today,
Nicole is dependent on daily blood transfusions while
her doctors try to reverse the life-threatening condition. |
| For
the last month, Nicole's family members have focused all
of their time and energy on assuring that the teen has
everything she needs during this difficult time. |
| "Our
employers have been very understanding," said Ms. Lombardi,
who is a catering and sales associate at OME caterers
in Whippany. |
| Ms.
Lombardi has been working closely with Nicole's father,
John, a captain in the Morris County Sheriff's Department,
and his wife, Debby, to guarantee that there is sufficient
blood for their daughter's transfusions. |
| They,
along with members of the community and Community Blood
Services in Paramus, have organized a blood drive on Nicole's
behalf. |
| "We
are hoping for a great turnout," said Ms. Lombardi. "The
VFW turned on a dime for us. They have been very, very
helpful." |
| The
drive will be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 9am -
3pm at the VFW, 45 Tabor Road, Morris Plains. |
| "Nicole
has always been a good student," said Ms. Lombardi. "She
has not selected a college yet, but she plans to study
business." |
| Whole
blood donors must be 18-75 years old (17 with parent's
permission), and weigh at least 110 pounds. For more information
on the Morris Plains blood drive please call Community
Blood Services at 201-251-3703. |
