Student Blood Drive Inspired by Crash Survivor's 48 Surgeries

Cooper Roy stood before a packed gymnasium at his former high school, walking on his own two legs just 18 months after doctors feared he might lose one.

The 20-year-old survived a wrong-way driver collision on U.S. 65 in September 2024 that nearly severed his left leg at the knee. He suffered facial fractures, broken ribs, a shattered arm, and required 14 units of donated blood just to make it through the first critical hours.

Forty-eight surgeries later, with three more still ahead, Roy returned to Fair Grove High School in Missouri for an emotional reunion. He met two of the donors whose blood saved his life.

Lauren Moreland discovered she was a universal O negative donor during pregnancy and now donates whenever she can. "I can take an hour out of my day and be able to save somebody's life," she said after meeting Roy.

Shane Stewart has donated since high school, inspired by his great aunt Hazel who earned recognition from the governor in 1986 for never missing a donation deadline. Seeing Roy's recovery photos left him speechless.

Roy's leg is now held together with metal but it's his own. He credits the blood donors, along with his faith, for his survival and eventual recovery.

Why This Inspires

Roy's story sparked something bigger than anyone expected. Fair Grove's Future Business Leaders of America and DECA clubs spent months organizing what they hope will be the school's largest blood drive in history.

The goal is ambitious. The school typically holds three separate drives throughout the year and collected 152 units total in 2025. This single April 22nd event aims to bring in 150 donors.

Senior Carson Trussel watched months of planning come together as Roy thanked his donors face to face. Even students too young to donate are volunteering and recruiting adults from the community.

The students secured serious incentives. Every donor receives an Ozark Adventure pass, a T-shirt, free food, and a Culver's voucher. Prize drawings include prom tickets, $100 Visa gift cards, and a 65-inch TV.

Roy plans to start donating himself once doctors clear him. "It was special because we got a close tie with each other," he said about meeting Moreland and Stewart.

One car crash, 14 units of blood, and 48 surgeries became the catalyst for an entire community to show up for strangers they'll never meet.