SHELBYVILLE, TN November 14, 2025 — Kaegan Young of Shelbyville helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive and earned a $2,500 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts.
As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the Cascade High School student hosted a blood drive at First Baptist Church – Shelbyville on June 19, 2025, which collected 158 blood donations. There were a total of 131 donors and 54 were first-time blood donors. As a result, Young was eligible to be entered into a drawing for a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. She was also awarded a gift card.
Young rallied the Shelbyville Community to host this special blood drive in honor of her younger sister, Kaemey, who is currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
“I saw firsthand the impact the transfusions had on my sister and my eyes were open to how important blood donations are and how they truly save lives,” said Kaegan. “Hosting a blood drive is one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have. It gives you the chance to bless another patient and their family in more ways than you ever thought possible.”
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.
Students can sign up to host Leaders Save Lives blood drives during seasonal timeframes throughout the year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.