Glens Falls blood drive to honor ‘giants’

GLENS FALLS — A blood drive in the memory of two Glens Falls community giants will be conducted from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Glens Falls YMCA, 600 Glen St.

The blood collected at this blood drive will offer help and hope to patients facing serious health issues, such as cancer, trauma, blood disorders and certain surgeries.

In October 2017, Dave Strader died of cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer. Less than four months later, Ken Hand died of the same rare and aggressive form of cancer. “Their sense of community, their kindness, and their fight against bile duct cancer has inspired countless people in Glens Falls and beyond,” said a statement from the American Red Cross.

Known as “The Voice” of the National Hockey League, Strader started his 35-year career as a broadcaster in his hometown of Glens Falls, when he took the job as first voice for the Adirondack Red Wings in 1979.

Hand flew aircraft for the U.S. Army, including air ambulances. He conducted search and rescue missions and was awarded the Army Commendation medal and Army Achievement medal for a lifesaving air mission. As a civilian he became a commercial pilot for UPS, a chief pilot for a law enforcement agency and a flight instructor.

Walk-ins welcome, but appointments encouraged. To make an appointment visit redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.