LA VERGNE, Tenn.  — The fourth annual American Red Cross blood drive held in memory of Ryan Steelman on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in La Vergne.

This drive will honor the memory of a beloved son who inspired those he knew before his life was cut short. The drive is organized by his father and stepmother, Jamie and Stacy Steelman of Murfreesboro.

Ryan Steelman came into this world a fighter, his father has said. He was born in November 1994 when his birth mother Karen McMillan had a troubled pregnancy: her placenta had separated. She was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and had two blood transfusions and an emergency Caesarean section.

Ryan had the rare blood type AB negative. Ryan was born at Vanderbilt fortunate, as the hospital has access to ample blood supplies.

Ryan, whom his family described as living life to its fullest without fear, died at age 21 on May 31, 2016, in a tragic motorcycle crash.

The drive will be held at La Vergne High School to highlight how Ryan donated blood while in high school and was proud to be a donor to help others.

The family began holding the blood drives in 2017 and they usually collected at least 115 units of blood on average. This year, the Red Cross is hopeful to collect hundreds of units of blood to help combat the severe shortage of blood the nation is experiencing.

Donate Blood in Memory of Ryan Steelman

Location: La Vergne High School, 250 Wolverine Trail, La Vergne, TN 37086
Date: Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 / Drive Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule a blood donation appointment.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.