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), the Billy Moon Foundation, and NMDP came together again for the second annual Billy Moon Donor Day Blood drives on August 8, honoring Billy Moon through a date inspired by his signature number, “88.” This year’s 8/8 Donor Day collected more than 200 blood donations across five locations, expanding from three to five Long Island volunteer fire departments, and kicked off with a press conference at Billy Moon’s home fire department in Islip, NY.
The 8/8 Donor Day drives honor firefighter William “Billy” Moon II, 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.
Billy, who passed away at the age of 47, was a beloved friend and mentor known for his big personality, huge smile, and love for the job. He was also a devoted husband and father of two. The number “88” held special meaning for Billy and was featured on his and his children’s sports jerseys, inspiring the annual August 8 date for Billy Moon Donor Day.
The blood drives, modeled after decades of tradition at the FDNY Fire Academy, bring together the missions of NYBC, NMDP (formerly Be The Match®), and the Long Island Volunteer Fire Departments to save lives. Kristina Moon, the widow of Billy Moon and President of the Billy Moon Foundation, has taken on this mission as her own. Kristina, along with representatives from NYBC and NMDP, local elected officials, and representatives from the Islip Fire Department, Suffolk Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Suffolk EMS, and representatives from participating Fire Departments, attended the kick-off event.
“The Billy Moon Donor Day Blood Drives are a meaningful reminder of how one person’s legacy can inspire an entire community to save lives,” said Yadira Navarro, Executive Director, Donor Recruitment & Strategic Partnerships at New York Blood Center. “We are honored to partner with The Billy Moon Foundation and Long Island’s volunteer fire departments to continue Billy’s legacy while helping ensure patients across our region receive the lifesaving blood they need.”
“Billy always believed in doing the right thing. He would probably say that a day like 8/8 is a no-brainer,” said Kristina Moon, President of the Billy Moon Foundation. “It fills us with great pride to see his legacy continue to grow—not only through organ donation advocacy, but also through our partnerships with NMDP, NYBC, and fire departments across Long Island.”
Those interested in honoring a loved one or bringing their community together around a lifesaving cause are invited to host a blood drive with New York Blood Center. Community organizations, businesses, fire departments, schools, and other groups are encouraged to get involved. Learn more about hosting a blood drive here.
