The inaugural blood drive hosted by the 4Troy Foundation, held in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, was held on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the VFW, located at 301 Mill St. in Greenwood.
Troy Haynes Sr. was the first donor in line at the blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosted by the 4Troy Foundation. Shown (l to r) are: Allissia Tarpley, phlebotomist; Troy Haynes Sr.; Christina Haynes; and Alonnah Haynes. Photo by Bernard W. Carr
The Blood Bank of Delmarva must maintain a seven-day inventory of blood products to supply 19 hospitals and patients in the Delmarva area. Interested participants were able to sign up online. The foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with 13 board members, was established earlier this year to make the public aware of kidney cancer, and to uphold the legacy of Troy Haynes Jr., by providing scholarships, mentoring, and give guidance to those who suffer from the disease. The official name of the disease is Renal Medullary Carcinoma cancer. It is a rare type of cancer that affects the kidney, tends to be aggressive, and often is difficult to treat.
Troy Haynes Jr. was a student-athlete, and June 2019 graduate of Woodbridge High School. He was a four-year starting quarterback for the Blue Raiders varsity football team, leading the squad to Delaware state DII championships in 2016 and 2018. Haynes was an all-state football player, was selected to play in the Blue-Gold All Star basketball game, and played baseball at WHS. In April 2019, Haynes was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. He passed away after a five month-long battle with the disease on Sept. 29, 2019. He was 19.
Students and alumni at Woodbridge were encouraged to participate. Troy Haynes Sr., who is an assistant football coach at WHS, was the first donor in line to donate one pint of blood. Once participants were registered, they were given a tablet to answer several personal health questions, followed by a medical interview, a blood pressure check, and a blood test to ensure iron levels were good. Patients were then escorted to an area where the blood collection process was initiated. Most participants were finished within a 10 minute timeframe, and remained in the refreshment area for 15 minutes for monitoring by the staff. Snacks of cookies, chips, and water were provided, and a 4Troy Foundation t-shirt for all donors. According to officials from the BBD organization, 85 persons donated blood, with a few deferred due to other medical issues. Currently, the blood bank’s inventory is low, and due to COVID-19, there is a constant need for the product.
Christina Haynes (Troy’s mother), served as the blood drive coordinator for the event. In addition, she serves as a co-chairperson with husband Troy, of the 4Troy Foundation. The Foundation set a goal of 76 appointments to participate in the blood drive.
“We would like to thank everyone for honoring our son Troy Haynes Jr. by supporting our cause and helping us make today a success. We reached our goal and look forward to partnering with the Blood Bank of Delmarva each year for an annual event,” she said.
The 4Troy Foundation is accepting donations and will sponsor several other community events during the upcoming holiday season.
For more information contact: 4troyfoundationrmc@gmail.com
