Summertime is always a rough season for blood banks, but this year is predicted to be especially dire as the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic still looms. Even if we cannot provide in-person help, we can still help in many other ways. Please support this virtual blood drive, organized by VTC’s Citizen Physicians chapter and the Emergency Medicine Interest Group.

This summer’s blood drive is especially meaningful because we are dedicating it to our very own Mr. Kenny Harper who died at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on June 20th after complications from pulmonary emboli. He devoted 37 years to working for the Roanoke Emergency Medicine Services (REMS) and then spent the last 4 years working in ED Medcom at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was beloved by everyone who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of love, selfless dedication to the public, and service to the homeless in our community.

Mr. Harper leaves behind his wife (Melissa, who spent 33 years working for Carilion), three daughters (Kara, Mandy, and Tamara), six grandchildren, Kenny’s father, Kenny’s brother and sister, and an extended family in the Roanoke area.

Having himself received over 20 units of blood in 24 hours, Mr. Harper’s family hopes that all who wish to honor Mr. Harper do so by either donating blood through the Red Cross or, if unable due to COVID-19 restrictions, consider donating to any one of Kenny’s favorite charities: Roanoke Emergency Medical Services [https://www.roanokeems.org/] , The Least of These Ministry [https://www.theleastoftheseministry.org/], Total Action for Progress [https://tapintohope.org/], or the Compress and Shock Foundation [https://www.compressandshock.org/] .

If you choose to honor Kenny Harper through this virtual blood drive campaign, please do so using the hashtag #SleevesUpForKenny along with the other suggested hashtags.