The University of Louisville has a rising star among their freshman class in Keegan Merrifield. Keegan started helping with the Jeffersonville High School blood drives during his freshman year. “I had this one teacher I had known since 7th grade. She was hosting the blood drives at school, and I started asking her questions about it… She offered for me to work and sign people in,” said Keegan. “And she said, you can donate too.”
Jeffersonville High School has a student led blood drive program through their InterACT club. The club is designed for the students to serve their school and community and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clark County, IN. The club has over 100 active students engaging in recycling, food donations and leadership opportunities.
The first time Keegan donated blood, he was understandably nervous. “The Red Cross nurses were incredibly kind. All the nurses I have met have been,” said Keegan. “I sat there on my phone for about five minutes. It amazed me. I thought ‘this small thing is going to help 3 people.” He went on to say how easy and quick it was, and how it’s a form of community service.
“This is community service but it’s a different type. For this, you give your time and your body. It’s something you can’t make. Ever since then, it has stuck with me. I’ve been advocating to my family and friends saying, ‘you all have to do this,” said Keegan. Throughout his high school career, he volunteered at the blood drives checking donors in and greeting them. He also made it his personal goal to hit 1 gallon of blood donated before high school graduation.
Keegan achieved his goal of donating 1 gallon and is now looking forward to his future. He is a UofL Speed School Engineering student. One of his criteria for choosing a school was knowing the institution had a partnership with Red Cross. We were able to speak with Keegan’s mom, Crystal Merrifield, about her son and his servant’s heart.
“He’s always just made us proud. He’s always been a kindhearted and giving type of individual… [Red Cross] has become part of who he is. He takes me with him to donate blood. I don’t always have the iron levels to give, but when I can, he cheers me on… He’s known for a long time he wants to be an engineer- but this is his heart passion,” said Crystal. She went on to say that she loves that he has found his passion at such a young age.
In high school, Keegan was part of the National Honor Society and a member of marching and pep band. He plays the trumpet and is now a member of the UofL pep band. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s sad I [had to] leave high school, but I know things will only get better at UofL. I will meet new people; it will be a new environment. I will grow,” said Keegan.
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| Keegan at his graduation |
Jeffersonville High School has a student led blood drive program through their InterACT club. The club is designed for the students to serve their school and community and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clark County, IN. The club has over 100 active students engaging in recycling, food donations and leadership opportunities.
The first time Keegan donated blood, he was understandably nervous. “The Red Cross nurses were incredibly kind. All the nurses I have met have been,” said Keegan. “I sat there on my phone for about five minutes. It amazed me. I thought ‘this small thing is going to help 3 people.” He went on to say how easy and quick it was, and how it’s a form of community service.
“This is community service but it’s a different type. For this, you give your time and your body. It’s something you can’t make. Ever since then, it has stuck with me. I’ve been advocating to my family and friends saying, ‘you all have to do this,” said Keegan. Throughout his high school career, he volunteered at the blood drives checking donors in and greeting them. He also made it his personal goal to hit 1 gallon of blood donated before high school graduation.
Keegan achieved his goal of donating 1 gallon and is now looking forward to his future. He is a UofL Speed School Engineering student. One of his criteria for choosing a school was knowing the institution had a partnership with Red Cross. We were able to speak with Keegan’s mom, Crystal Merrifield, about her son and his servant’s heart.
“He’s always just made us proud. He’s always been a kindhearted and giving type of individual… [Red Cross] has become part of who he is. He takes me with him to donate blood. I don’t always have the iron levels to give, but when I can, he cheers me on… He’s known for a long time he wants to be an engineer- but this is his heart passion,” said Crystal. She went on to say that she loves that he has found his passion at such a young age.
In high school, Keegan was part of the National Honor Society and a member of marching and pep band. He plays the trumpet and is now a member of the UofL pep band. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s sad I [had to] leave high school, but I know things will only get better at UofL. I will meet new people; it will be a new environment. I will grow,” said Keegan.
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| Keegan and his family |
Join Keegan this holiday season by giving blood at our Holiday Hero Donorama Blood Drive blood drive Dec. 26-27 at the UAW Local 862 Union Hall in Louisville. Your donation may give patients more time – and more holidays – with loved ones. Make your appointment by visiting rcblood.org/2RfRf7r, downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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