Blood drive held in memory of Savannah teen who died from cancer

By Chris Fortune

Donors honored the life of a Savannah teen who died from cancer and touched the lives of many in the area.

The American Red Cross has teamed up with Will Walker’s family to set up blood drives in memory of him for three years. The Wednesday drive was held on what would have been his 19th birthday, so birthday balloons were placed throughout the room.

“He actually received blood in St. Louis, a hospital that the Red Cross provided the blood to, and it was just a crucial part of his treatments,” Blood Drive Supervisor Evan Woods said.

Walker died of cancer in November 2021, at 16 years old. The first blood drive in his memory took place at East Hills Shopping Center, but it has been held at Clasbey Community Center in Savannah for the past two years.

“There was a lot of interest when we had these drives for Will in memory of him,” he said. “So we needed a bigger space, and we also wanted to do it in the town where he lived.”

Savannah resident Ken Rosenauer donated blood at the event and has given blood for most of his adult life.

“This drive is special because we’re remembering Will Walker, and he was a pretty dynamic young man who affected a lot of lives in this community by his courage,” he said.

Rosenauer remembered Walker for his energetic demeanor.

“You wouldn’t know if you met Will that he was dealing with a life-threatening condition,” Rosenauer said. “He was always upbeat, and he went way too soon.”

A best friend of Walker donated blood in his memory because he wanted to help others.

“I just know what it did for Will whenever he was going through his hard times,” Savannah resident Kaden Calloway said. “And I just know that he’d want me to go help people that were in his situation.”

Their friendship began when they were in sixth grade together, and Calloway said his favorite memories were when they would have conversations while riding in the car together, listening to music. The turnout at the blood drive honoring his friend encouraged him.

“It makes me feel good because he touched a lot of people’s hearts,” he said. “And this shows with the outcome of this blood drive.”