Guns N' Hoses
LifeServe Blood Center is excited to bring you the 21st Annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n' Hoses Blood Drive!
Blood Drive Details | Eligibility Information | Minor Donation | Sponsor Blood Drive
Join LifeServe Blood Center as we honor Tyler and inspire donors to pull together to help ensure we meet the needs of our patients this holiday season!
At 16, Tyler was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee. He endured 3 years of treatments, 32 hours of surgeries, and used over 200 blood products. From the beginning, he was determined to keep a positive attitude, never taking anything for granted, and that he would make the best of even the worst situation.
During his battle against cancer Tyler and his family became aware of the importance of blood donation. They felt blessed that they benefitted from the kindness of strangers through their blood donations. Tyler himself came up with the idea of having a replacement blood drive to "pay back the blood I have used." Sadly, Tyler passed away before his first blood drive that was held on December 2, 2005 at the Fort Pierre Fire Department.
Tyler's positive attitude and legacy live on today through the Tyler Wilcox memorial Guns n' Hoses Blood Drive. As of December 2024, 5,222 units of blood products have been donated in Tyler's name during the annual drive and 972 first time donors have stepped up to impact 15,666 lives!
"I like giving blood because I give back to the community that may need it. My mother had cancer and needed blood so this is my way of giving back what she used," Blood donor and Fort Pierre Volunteer Firefighter Tacy Kennison said. "I didn't know him personally but every year, I donate."
All previous blood donations from other blood banks will be recognized. Just let us know as the time of registrations the total number of your prior donations and we will add them to our system.
For 16 and 17 Year Old Blood Donors
Blood donors who are 16 or 17 years old will require a signed parental/guardian permission form at their first donation. With just one donation, they will directly impact the lives of three local hospital patients. Developing lifelong habits of blood donation and volunteerism is vital to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Download Minor Consent Form
After a minor consent form is on file, we do not need additional consent forms.
Have a question about donating? We are here to help you get your answers. Check out our webpage with a list of popular questions, download our Blood Donor Eligibility Guide, call us at 800.287.4903 or e-mail nurse@lifeservebloodcenter.org.
About LifeServe Blood Center
Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend, family member or a stranger in your community! When donors donate with another blood collection organization within our community, their local donation does not support their local hospital. Only blood collected by LifeServe Blood Center is provided to YOUR local hospitals. Click here to read stories about local patients saved by LifeServers’ blood donations!
