Guns N' Hoses
Join LifeServe Blood Center for the 22nd Annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive as we honor Tyler’s legacy and help strengthen the blood supply during one of the most critical times of year.
When Tyler was just 16, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee. Over the next three years, he faced intense treatments, 32 hours of surgery, and relied on more than 200 blood products. Through it all, Tyler remained determined to stay positive, appreciate every day, and make the best of even the hardest moments.
During his cancer journey, Tyler and his family saw firsthand how powerful blood donation can be. They were deeply grateful for the strangers whose donations helped Tyler through treatment, and Tyler wanted to give back in the same way. He came up with the idea of hosting a replenishment blood drive to, in his words, “pay back the blood I have used.”
Sadly, Tyler passed away before his first blood drive, which was held on December 2, 2005, at the Fort Pierre Fire Department.
Today, Tyler’s positive spirit and lasting impact continue through the Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive. As of December 2025, 5,661 units of blood products have been donated in Tyler’s name through this annual event. That includes 1,051 first-time donors stepping up to help impact up to 16,983 lives.
This year, we invite you to be part of that legacy. Schedule your donation, honor Tyler’s memory, and help make sure local patients have the blood they need this holiday season.
"I like giving blood because I give back to the community that may need it. My mother had cancer and needed blood so this is my way of giving back what she used," Blood donor and Fort Pierre Volunteer Firefighter Tacy Kennison said. "I didn't know him personally but every year, I donate."
All previous blood donations from other blood banks will be recognized. Just let us know as the time of registrations the total number of your prior donations and we will add them to our system.
For 16 and 17 Year Old Blood Donors
Blood donors who are 16 or 17 years old will require a signed parental/guardian permission form at their first donation. With just one donation, they will directly impact the lives of three local hospital patients. Developing lifelong habits of blood donation and volunteerism is vital to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Download Minor Consent Form
After a minor consent form is on file, we do not need additional consent forms.
Have a question about donating? We are here to help you get your answers. Check out our webpage with a list of popular questions, download our Blood Donor Eligibility Guide, call us at 800.287.4903 or e-mail nurse@lifeservebloodcenter.org.
About LifeServe Blood Center
Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend, family member or a stranger in your community! When donors donate with another blood collection organization within our community, their local donation does not support their local hospital. Only blood collected by LifeServe Blood Center is provided to YOUR local hospitals. Click here to read stories about local patients saved by LifeServers’ blood donations!