Blood Drive to Honor Officer Mark Vasquez
May 18, 2016 11:13PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
You can do good for a good cause - and possibly even save a life - by signing up now for Sunday's 5th Annual Mark Vasquez Memorial Blood Drive.
The blood drive is sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association in partnership with the American Red Cross and the family of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Mark Vasquez. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Joslyn Community Center auditorium.
Mark Vasquez joined the Manhattan Beach Police Department in 2005 and worked in patrol until he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2007. Officer Vasquez was heroic in his positive outlook and will to win not only at work, but at home with his wife, Lee, and their two daughters, Madison and Ashley. His fellow officers quickly nicknamed Officer Vasquez “Superman” and held many fundraisers and events in support of their hero. However, Manhattan Beach lost its Superman on May 15, 2011 (National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day).
Since that time, Mark’s family, friends, and colleagues have gathered each May to honor and remember his larger-than-life personality, as well as his love of life. This year, the event will be held on what would have been Mark’s 41st birthday, May 22.
"Year after year I am grateful for the unwavering support this community continues to have for our family. Our efforts to keep Mark’s memory alive could not be possible without all of you," said Lee Vasquez. "This blood drive is not only a celebration of his life, but a chance to give back. Come out and join us - Your donation could save a life!”
To make an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code
“MarkVasquez” or, for more information, email [email protected]
The blood drive is sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Police Officers’ Association in partnership with the American Red Cross and the family of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Mark Vasquez. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Joslyn Community Center auditorium.
Mark Vasquez joined the Manhattan Beach Police Department in 2005 and worked in patrol until he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2007. Officer Vasquez was heroic in his positive outlook and will to win not only at work, but at home with his wife, Lee, and their two daughters, Madison and Ashley. His fellow officers quickly nicknamed Officer Vasquez “Superman” and held many fundraisers and events in support of their hero. However, Manhattan Beach lost its Superman on May 15, 2011 (National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day).
Since that time, Mark’s family, friends, and colleagues have gathered each May to honor and remember his larger-than-life personality, as well as his love of life. This year, the event will be held on what would have been Mark’s 41st birthday, May 22.
"Year after year I am grateful for the unwavering support this community continues to have for our family. Our efforts to keep Mark’s memory alive could not be possible without all of you," said Lee Vasquez. "This blood drive is not only a celebration of his life, but a chance to give back. Come out and join us - Your donation could save a life!”
To make an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code
“MarkVasquez” or, for more information, email [email protected]
