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December 3, 2008

Blood donors help 10-year-old Peabody boy

By Stacie N. Galang

PEABODY — Tyler Conrad drew 38 people to donate blood at Children's Hospital Boston.

The 10-year-old son of Patrolman Patrick Conrad underwent surgery last month for scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. Peabody police officers and friends turned out three days before the operation to support Tyler by offering 38 pints of blood in his name, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

A group of about 12 from the Police Department took the city's Council on Aging bus into Boston together, Sgt. Sheila McDaid said. Tyler visited with the group, she said.

"Tyler was there for a pre-op," said the police sergeant, who also donated. "I think it helped him."

Conrad said he and his family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for his boy.

"I got it from the chief right on down to the newest people out of the academy," he said. "It was pretty incredible. I think the moral support was as important for Tyler as everything else was."

Tyler returned home eight days after surgery. He hopes to be back in school after the new year but must receive his doctor's permission first, Patrick Conrad said.

"His road is getting easier," the officer said. "He's a tremendously strong individual."

Get-well cards may be left at the Peabody police station in care of his father.

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