The recent Beau Keeter Memorial Blood Drive held Nov. 11-12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miller, was a tremendous success and a heartfelt tribute to the life of Beau Keeter.
A total of 109 donors participated, resulting in 113 units of life-saving blood being collected. These donations have the potential to save up to 339 lives, making a significant impact on the community and benefiting 39 hospitals across South Dakota. Additionally, 14 individuals donated blood for the first time, an especially meaningful contribution.
Beaus connection to blood donation began as a young child, when he and his sister Annie would accompany their parents to JoDean Joys Miller Community blood drives.
While their parents donated, Beau and Annie enjoyed JoDeans famous glazed donuts. As he grew older, Beau became an avid blood donor himself, starting at age 16. After Beaus tragic passing, it was JoDean who reached out to the Keeter family, offering to hold a blood drive in his honor.
Chris and Jim Keeter took over the blood drive from JoDean and chose to honor their son by hosting this event every November, dedicating two days each year to the cause. LifeServe is grateful to the Keeter family for continuing this important tradition and for their ongoing commitment to saving lives through the blood drive.
LifeServe celebrates the following first-time donors: Valerie Augspurger, Casey Barris, Teresa Eschenbaum, Gregory Flor, Lori Fremark, David Fremark, Haylie Huss, Mickael Huss, Terice Ketelhut, Renee Pappenfus, Isabelle Poindexter, Andrew Roeber, Amber Saienga and Kristy Strasburg.
The following are milestone donors:
One gallon: James Henson, Tania Ruhnke, Lee Nolz, Carter Kindle and Dean Weaver
Two gallons: Jacob Joy
A reminder to donors that they can easily transfer their lifetime donations to LifeServe! Go to lifeserve.info/transfer to fill out the form and they will get your donation accomplishments up to date in their system!
Next Blood Drive:
Mark your calendars for the next Miller Blood Drive.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 12:30 to 5:55 p.m. at St. Anns Catholic Church in Miller.
The upcoming blood drive is sponsored by Catholic Daughters.
To schedule an appointment call or go to www.lifeservebloodcenter.org
LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947.
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