Annual event held in memory of childhood leukemia patient collected 43 lifesaving units
BLUE SPRINGS, MO (June 7, 2025) – Community Blood Center (CBC) and Timothy Lutheran Ministries came together earlier this month to mark a powerful milestone: the 20th annual “Adam’s Army” blood drive, held on Saturday, June 7 in memory of Adam Reed, a beloved member of the community who passed away from leukemia in 2005 at the age of 15.
This year’s event collected 43 units of blood, helping provide lifesaving transfusions to patients across the region. The drive was founded in 2005 by Adam’s sister Jenna, who was just 13 when she lost her brother. Adam received multiple transfusions during his cancer treatment and was grateful for every donor who helped extend his life. Two decades later, his family and church continue to honor that legacy by rallying the community to donate blood each summer.
“Adam’s Army” has become a tradition of hope, service, and remembrance. It also comes at a critical time: blood donations often drop in the summer due to vacations and school closures, yet trauma cases tend to rise, increasing demand. Community drives like this one are essential to keeping the blood supply strong and stable for local hospitals.
If you missed this year’s drive, it’s not too late to make a difference. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice a month. The need is especially urgent for O-, O+, and B- blood types, which are in dangerously short supply across the region.
To view current eligibility guidelines or to make an appointment, visit savealifenow.org or call 877.468.6844.