Billy Moon was a 21-year member of the FDNY, as well as a 28-year volunteer in the Islip Fire Department, serving as Chief of Department from 2016-2018
New York Blood Center (NYBC), and The Billy Moon Foundation hosted successful blood drives on Friday, August 8th, at three Long Island Volunteer Fire Departments in memory of Firefighter Billy Moon, a dedicated FDNY and Islip Fire Department first responder who suffered a fatal head injury while preparing for a training exercise in December of 2022.
This innovative event, modeled after decades of tradition at the FDNY Fire Academy, brought together the missions of NYBC, NMDPSM (formerly Be The Match®), and the Long Island Volunteer Fire Departments to impact and save more than 300 lives.
“We hope that Individuals and community members were inspired to donate blood, join the bone marrow registry, and register as an organ donor,” said Kristina Moon, Founder of The Billy Moon Foundation and the first blood donor at the Islip Fire Department’s drive. “Our mission is to provide access to these three simple acts that could save countless lives. All in one place. We are grateful to our donors, friends, and partner organizations for their tireless support. Our hope is that this inaugural 8.8 Donor Day is the beginning of an annual national movement of selfless giving in Billy’s memory.”
William “Billy” Moon II, 47, was a beloved friend and mentor to everyone. Known for his big personality, huge smile, and love for the job, Billy was also a devoted husband and father of two. In honor of Billy’s favorite signature number, “88,” used on his and his children’s sports jerseys, the donor day drives are scheduled for 8/8.
After suffering a fatal fall in the firehouse on December 12, 2022, Billy answered his last alarm on December 20, 2022, with the gift of organ donation, a topic he felt strongly about. He saved the lives of five others, including two of his fellow FDNY members. The Billy Moon Foundation was created to honor this final act of selflessness by commemorating his legacy, advocating and building awareness around organ donation, supporting those in the process, and paying it forward to our communities.
For more information about the Billy Moon Foundation, visit: The Billy Moon Foundation – Home
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
