A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring and commending the annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n' Hoses Blood Drive for being named the America's Blood Centers' Blood Drive of the Year for 2019.

WHEREAS, the Fort Pierre Fire Station and Pierre Faith Lutheran Church have graciously hosted the Tyler Wilcox Memorial Blood Drive; and

WHEREAS, the event was organized in honor of Tyler Wilcox, who died in 2005 due to osteosarcoma, and during his cancer treatment received 250 units of blood; and

WHEREAS, the Wilcox family turned their grief into action and began a blood drive to help others; and

WHEREAS, since 2005 the total amount of blood collected has reached 2,459 units, and a total of 385 unique donors; and

WHEREAS, for two years in a row, the Tyler Wilcox Memorial Blood Drive set records for the amount of blood donated at a single event. In 2018, there were 420 units of blood donated; in 2019, there were 424 units of blood donated, potentially saving up to 1,272 lives; and

WHEREAS, the memorial receives extensive support from the Fort Pierre and Pierre communities, with new individuals volunteering each year to donate blood:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Fifth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the Legislature commends the Wilcox Family for their grace and generosity, and acknowledges the contributions of those in the community who are willing to roll up their sleeves to help others, and congratulate the 15th annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial "Guns n' Hoses" blood drive for being named as America's Blood Centers' Blood Drive of the Year for 2019.