Sports

Town Rallies Behind 'Big Boy Foy'

So many people turned out at a blood drive for Westborough Athletic and Social Association member Chris Foy that the group will hold a second drive.

When Westborough Athletic and Social Association member Chris Foy was diagnosed with leukemia, the organization asked his family, “How can we give back to you?” resident Craig Nichols says.

“The one thing they thought was most important, that they really would’ve appreciated, was a blood drive,” Nichols said Wednesday night.

“How much blood he’s had to take on himself through all of his treatments, he really wanted a blood drive.”

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The association will organize two blood drives, Nichols said – because Wednesday night’s first one drew more than the American Red Cross staff could accommodate.

About 50 people – many walk-ins -- donated blood Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church.

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“Support has been overwhelming. We’ve actually had to turn people away,” said Nichols, the event chairman.

“We just had a friend of his drive down from Derry, N.H. People are coming from all over.”

Special “Big Boy Foy” T-shirts were produced, showing a smiling Boston College basketball player.

Foy was a Boston College men’s basketball captain, and has coached basketball at Algonquin-Regional High School in Northborough for years,  Nichols said.

“Very, very good athlete. Well-respected guy.,” Nichols said.

“Kids love him. We’ve had a lot of high school kids come through the door, looking to donate.”

Foy is scheduled to undergo a bone marrow transplant today at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Nichols said.

“His sister has been identified as a donor, and he’s had to get to a point where he’s healthy enough. So, he’s got a long road ahead of him,” Nichols aaid.

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