Kentucky Boy Inspires 6 Blood Drives After 225 Transfusions

After surviving leukemia five times and receiving more than 225 blood transfusions, Seth Walsh isn't just grateful to be alive. He's making sure other kids fighting cancer have the lifesaving blood they need.

The Star Wars loving youngster from Mt. Washington, Kentucky knows firsthand that doctors can't simply manufacture blood. Every transfusion that helped keep him alive came from a stranger who chose to donate.

Six years ago, Seth's mom Michelle started the Rise of the Donor Blood Drive, inspired by her son's love of the Star Wars franchise. The name plays on "Rise of the Skywalker," but the mission is serious: give back to other families walking the same difficult path.

"We were looking for ways to give back and support other fighters," Michelle said. "A blood drive is what made the most sense to do."

The sixth annual Seth Squad Blood Drive took place Tuesday, drawing donors from across the Mt. Washington community. Stormtroopers made appearances, but the real heroes were the neighbors rolling up their sleeves for the American Red Cross.

Seth understands the math better than most kids his age. More donated blood means more time for children in treatment. "If we could get more blood and give it to doctors, it can help at least keep the kids awake for a few more weeks or months until they get the cure," he said.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond one family's story. When Seth was in treatment, the Mt. Washington community became the Walsh family's lifeline. Neighbors drove his siblings to practice, mowed their lawn, and made sure the family stayed together during the hardest years. Michelle and Seth had no local family, so their community became family.

Now that support has come full circle. Each blood drive collects donations that will help cancer patients across the region. The American Red Cross reports the greatest need for O-negative and O-positive blood types.

Michelle keeps the message simple for anyone wondering how to help families like hers: "Donating blood doesn't cost money, but it saves someone's life."