The Boothbay Region YMCA will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, March 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. in honor of longtime YMCA swim coach Don Strout.

Last summer, Strout was diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma known as Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, or Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma. Although his prognosis is better than many cancers, he and his family have a very long road ahead.

He started treatment in August and because of the type of cancer he has, he requires a significant amount of blood and platelet support. This means he could need multiple transfusions a week, or in some cases, multiple times a day. Remission is a very likely scenario for Strout, but he’s got a tough fight ahead of him first.

Strout has been involved with the community for years as a YMCA swim coach and official, high school swim coach and a school bus driver. Your support is greatly appreciated. It will not only benefit Don but so many others in need of blood as well.

For an appointment on March 14, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor keyword, Don Strout Boothbay, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2768).