MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
An American Red Cross blood drive held in Murfreesboro on Tuesday honored police spokesperson Kyle Evans' son who was born with a congenital heart defect.
At just six years old, Garett has undergone multiple surgeries, including open heart surgery to re-work his arteries.
Evans told Nashville's News 2 the idea of Tuesday's blood drive came about after his son's last doctor's visit.
"After his last checkup at Vanderbilt, which was a good checkup, he asked what he could try and do to help other kids who couldn't leave the hospital," he explained.
Evans said the blood drive was named in Garett's honor after his son learned he was too young to donate blood himself.
American Red Cross spokesperson Regina Raccuglia said the drive came at a good time, because of the urgent need for all blood types.
"Patients stay in our hospitals, their need doesn't ever waver, but when we see donors drop it's a serous problem and we've noticed a big drop in blood donations in recent months," she explained.
Evans says he sees the need for blood in his job with the police department on a regular basis.
"I've seen many, many people who've needed blood donations in emergency situations and family members will line up and offer to donate blood, but at that time it's usually too late," he said.
Garett, who still wears a fading scar on his chest from his open heart surgery, is happy his situation will help other children in similar circumstances who he sees in the hospital.
"I wanted to help kids who had to stay in there. I think I felt bad for them," he said.
The blood drive continues through 6 p.m.
For more information on the American Red Cross and how to donate blood, visit their Web site.
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At just six years old, Garett has undergone multiple surgeries, including open heart surgery to re-work his arteries.
