Tyler
Tyler's Story: More than 200 blood products
Tyler Wilcox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee. Over three years, he underwent treatments and surgeries and required more than 200 blood products.
Twenty years ago, a young man from Pierre faced one of life’s hardest battles with courage, grace, and an extraordinary sense of giving. As he fought cancer, Tyler Wilcox asked his parents a simple question that would go on to touch thousands of lives:
“Can we hold a blood drive?”
At 16, Tyler Wilcox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee. Over three years, he underwent treatments and surgeries and required more than 200 blood products. Even in the hardest moments, Tyler insisted on a positive attitude and looked for ways to give back. Tyler passed away before the first drive on December 2, 2005, at the Fort Pierre Fire Department—but his spirit launched a movement.
What began as a one-day effort collecting 56 units of blood has blossomed into a three-day community celebration. Today, the Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive continues his legacy of service. As of December 2024, 5,222 units have been donated in Tyler’s name, including 972 first-time donors—impacting up to 15,666 lives. The drive was nationally recognized as the 2020 Blood Drive of the Year by America’s Blood Centers.
"Tyler loved competition, hockey, football — anything that brought people together," said Abbie Arneson of LifeServe Blood Center. "Turning his wish into this friendly rivalry just made sense. It keeps his spirit alive."
"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."
Local businesses donate funds for shirts and prizes, radio stations rally support, and longtime participants plan their schedules around the annual drive. Many of Tyler’s classmates now bring their own teenagers to donate, continuing the cycle of compassion.
"When someone donates blood here, it stays here," Arneson said. "It goes to our local hospitals, our neighbors, our families. That’s what makes this community so special."
Flying Five Foundation
The Flying Five Foundation awards scholarships to one male and one female in the Pierre community. They must exemplify the athletic, academic, and leadership qualities that Tyler exhibited. When we accomplish these goals, we strengthen and inspire out community.
"...my battle with cancer has taught me many things: to keep a positive attitude or be miserable; to never take anything for granted because you never know when it will be the last time you are able to do it; to make the most of even the worst situation. These are life lessons I have learned through experience. o not only do I have a strong opinion on what carpe diem means, I live it."
Tyler Wilcox circa 2005