KBC Hosting Royal Draw Blood Drive to Benefit Ryan Neighbors Jan. 5, 2021

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center will be hosting “The Royal Draw,” a blood drive event, at its six donor centers on Friday, January 8, 2021, in honor of Ryan Neighbors (pictured). Neighbors, an 11-year-old girl from Louisville, was born with spina bifida and has undergone more than 49 surgeries in her life, at one point even needing a blood transfusion.

Neighbors has been competing in beauty pageants throughout her life as her health has allowed and has forged a tight bond with other pageant contestants and title holders across the state. “The Royal Draw” was put together by Hannah Robb, Amelia Early, de de Cox, Ashley Green, Jessica Walters and Kristie Wideman along with other patent titleholders in the Kentucky Festival/Ameri-Fest and other pageant systems.  

Those wishing to donate in support of Neighbors, can do so at any of KBC’s six donor centers (listed below) between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on January 8. Pageant titleholders will be greeting donors in gown, sash and crown.

Donors will receive a KBC limited-edition hoodie (while supplies last) and all donors will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.  

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, found at kybloodcenter.org.

Appointments are preferred to ensure social distancing. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows. A face covering is required to donate. To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.