Community Rallies Around 17-Year-Old Diagnosed with Leukemia

For the family of Miranda Petrella, May 1 was the worst day of their lives.

The 17-year-old Cranston High School West senior was diagnosed with leukemia.

Now, the community is rallying to support the young woman with her battle against the disease.

Petrella, the daughter of a member of the , is not just in the thoughts and prayers of her classmates, teachers, friends and the family of the police force. They're doing something to help.

On July 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a blood and marrow drive dedicated to Petrella at the Cranston Police Department Headquarters on Garfield Avenue.

"Donating blood in Miranda's honor will not only help save lives, but will provide Miranda and her family with the kind of moral support that will only strengthen their resolve," a flyer promoting the blood and marrow drive states. "She and her family are determined to make sure that Miranda can fulfill her dream of going on to culinary school and becoming a chef."

Along with the blood and marrow drive in the community room in the police department headquarters from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Rhode Island Blood Center will have a bloodmobile at the station from 2 to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ribc.org, bethematch.org or call 800-283-8385.