By Paige Nash
The Michael Ryder Memorial blood drive will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 12:30 p.m. at the Backwoods Venue in Brewton’s Mill, La.
Michael was a 2009 graduate of Saline High School and a volunteer firefighter. He lost his life on February 16, 2015, after a work truck that he was riding in was struck by a train in Desoto Parish.
On Christmas morning of the same year, LifeShare Blood Center tried to contact him at home unaware of his passing. They were attempting to have Michael come into one of their centers to donate blood because they had not seen him in a while.
Michael’s mom Lori said, “Michael was a faithful donor and of course I had to be the one to tell them what happened.”
A few days later Lori was telling someone about the phone call and remembering how it never mattered to Michael what he had going on in his life, if he saw a LifeShare bus somewhere he was getting on it.
“I remember one particular time I practically begged him to wait until next time because I had things to do,” said Lori. “He just grinned and told me, ‘Somebody somewhere needs my blood, and I am going to save a life.’ He even tried to donate one time knowing they could not let him because of the wait time between donations.”
Since Michael’s passing in 2015, family and friends have gathered in his honor on his birthday every year. They used to celebrate with food, balloon releases and such, but Lori recalled telling the same story at one of the gatherings about Michael’s dedication to giving blood.
“As I was telling that story, it clicked- blood drives on his birthday. I contacted LifeShare and immediately got the first one scheduled,” said Lori.
LifeShare brought out buses to her home. They had 87 people attend for the first blood drive in 2019.
This year will be their fifth year hosting the memorial blood drive and it has turned into a full-on event filled with food, games, bounce houses and door prizes.
“Even if the people who come don’t donate, they still have a chance to win something. I can’t give my son gifts anymore, so I give prizes as encouragement to come and a ‘thank you’ for showing up,” said Lori.
The family always takes time at the event to remember Michael by sharing memories about their time with him.
“Sometimes people will tell a funny story, but anyone who knew him will speak of his hugs,” said Lori. “He did not care who you were, if he ran into you somewhere, then you were getting a hug whether you wanted it or not.”
Michael is described by anyone who knew him fondly as being kind, loving and generous.
The family would like others to honor Michael by giving blood if they are willing, but if not, stop by the Backwoods Venue and come share in remembering Michael Ryder with them on March 11.
To report an issue or typo with this article – CLICK HERE
