A Savannah, Missouri, teen is being remembered through a blood drive one year after his death from a rare form of cancer.
The American Red Cross hosted the blood drive Tuesday in memory of Will Walker, who died on Nov. 15, 2021, at 16 years old.
Doctors diagnosed Walker with synovial sarcoma when he was 9. Walker had multiple blood transfusions throughout his battle, and his arm was amputated to try and prevent the cancer from spreading. However, in total, doctors discovered at least 20 tumors throughout his body.
Walker told News-Press NOW in 2020 he knew he served as an inspiration to others and enjoyed the responsibility.
“It’s amazing to be a role model and show other kids that if I can do it, you can do it,” Walker said.
Organizers said the blood drive, which was held at East Hills Shopping Center, is a way to honor Walker’s memory.
“(The blood drive) is a way for us to really carry on the legacy of such an incredible young man who fought cancer for such a long time and required multiple blood transfusions throughout his fight,” said Angie Springs, American Red Cross spokesperson.
One St. Joseph resident came to Tuesday’s blood drive to show her support. Gina Schubert’s grandson battled cancer as a toddler. Her twins also were born premature, so to her, donating blood has saved her family members’ lives.
“My grandson, he was diagnosed at 1. He had brain cancer,” Schubert said.
Her grandson is now 3 and is cancer-free.
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