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359 units of blood were collected June 2 at the South Orangetown Central School District's blood drive held at Tappan Zee High School.
The blood drive had an added significance this year as it honored the district's athletic director of 11 years, Liam Frawley, who is currently recovering from a brain aneurysm. Frawley, a New City resident, always supported the district's blood drive, which was overseen by the New York Blood Center.
"With everything that he's going through I figured I could suck it up. I could be Frawley Strong," Frawley's wife, Janine, said after having blood drawn.
Janine admitted it has been a stressful few months as Liam continues to rehab. His recovery time is expected to be a year at minimum. However, she said it's been amazing to have the community get behind the family and acknowledge Frawley's work from the last 11 years.
Tom Doherty, a coach and teacher in Pearl River for 33 years and athletic director for 11 years before he retired in 2003, came out to support.
"I love him, I like what he stands for," Doherty said.
Despite not serving as athletic directors at the same time, Doherty has developed an admiration for the work Frawley does.
"I've been involved in Rockland County sports for 45 years and Liam is by far the best athletic director I have ever seen. He gets it," Doherty said, adding it's not just about games won but about doing so with character.
Placed amongst the athletic banners in the gym that mark milestones and championships are several banners that speak the character of the Tappan Zee athletic program under Frawley: a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics banner recognizing the school as a "Five-Star Leadership School" and a New York State Public High School Athletic Association banner from 2014-2015 recognizing sportsmanship.
A GoFundme page was created to help offset the costs of Frawley's recovery along with a FrawleyStrong.org page in support of his cause.
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