Blood drive set for Shabazz

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A blood drive for Betty Shabazz was scheduled to take place on Monday, as the severely burned widow of Malcolm X remained in critical condition.

Shabazz underwent a fourth operation Sunday to remove skin burned in a June 1 fire at her apartment in Yonkers, New York. The burned skin is being replaced with artificial skin.

The operation was successful, with a total 72 percent of Shabazz's burned tissue having been removed so far, said Rita Connelly, nursing supervisor at Jacobi Medical Center.

Her next operation is scheduled for Tuesday. Blood collected in the drive will be used to replace blood used in the operations.

Shabazz, 61, was burned over more than 80 percent of her body in a fire that police said was set by her 12-year-old grandson.

• Message Board: Widow of Malcolm X clings to life

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• Shabazz undergoes third surgery for burns - June 6, 1997
• Betty Shabazz has skin graft surgery - June 4, 1997
• Betty Shabazz critically burned; relative charged - June 2, 1997

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