Blood drive Thursday in honor of Fayette public defender

As Fayette County Chief Public Defender Joe Saia continues to recover from a heart attack and the resulting multiple surgeries, the Fayette County legal community is responding with a blood drive in his honor at the Fayette County Courthouse Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saia was on vacation at a family reunion on June 16 in North Carolina when he first fell ill and he has since had numerous surgeries as he battles his way back in recovery.

Saia’s ability to beat the medical odds has earned him a nickname among hospital medical staff: “Superman.” His wife Pam has been at his side the entire time and he also has been visited by his four grown children who live across the country.

Since falling ill, Saia has needed 33 blood transfusions.

Thursday’s blood drive will be conducted in the jury room at the Fayette County Justice Center by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. To schedule an appointment to donate, call Dianne Benton at 770-716-4999, extension 2105.

The blood drive is being organized by the office of Fayette County Clerk of Court Sheila Studdard.