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Cancer survivor teen hosting a blood drive Nov. 21 in Sayville

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Applying to colleges, being student body president and going to physical therapy three times a week.

It’s more than enough to keep most high school seniors busy. But not Sayville’s Matt Zender. The “Never Ever Give Up” cancer survivor is also running a blood drive in his hometown on Saturday, Nov. 21.

“I want to give back to what I received,” said Matt, 17, who received several blood transfusions following leg surgery and during chemotherapy for his bone cancer from June 2019 to April 2020. “I’m so thankful for everyone’s support.”

The blood drive — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Sayville Fire Department — is Matt’s Eagle Scout Project.

Click here to sign up for Matt’s blood drive.

“As an Eagle Scout, this project shows my commitment to leadership and to put others before me,” said Matt, who has been cancer-free since April.

Matt was diagnosed in June 2019 with an aggressive form of bone cancer in his lower right leg. It was discovered while Matt was being treated for a bone bruise.

Matt is going to physical therapy to build back strength in his leg, stemming from the 14-hour limb-salvage surgery he had at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital a year ago.

In June, he was elected president of the student body at Sayville High School. Matt intends to study nursing in college.

Below is everything you need to know about Matt’s blood donation drive:

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