Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PHILADELPHIA — The family and friends of Shamus “Moose” Keough will hold a blood drive in his memory on Thursday, May 16, 2-7 p.m. at Green Woods Charter School, 468 Domino Lane, Philadelphia.
The blood drive is open to the public. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accommodated as time and space allow. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and enter sponsor code ShamusKeough.
Shamus had just celebrated his 15th anniversary as a leukemia survivor when he died suddenly on Dec. 23, 2018 at age 18. He was an alumnus of Green Woods Charter School and was a senior at Science Leadership Academy.
“Shamus had a heart of gold. He was kind, caring and thoughtful. He loved his family and friends,” shared his mother, Jeanne Keough.
The Keough family understands the importance of having blood available for patients. At age 3, Shamus received blood during his childhood fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Most notably, he received blood on Christmas Eve in 2003.
“To know that somewhere out there, a donation was made and was available to my son on Christmas Eve can only be described as the most magical gift ever,” said Jeanne.
Shamus, himself, even registered to give blood when he turned 18.
“Even though he was deferred because of having had a blood cancer, he understood the importance of donating,” shared Jeanne. “The message I hope people will remember when they think of Shamus is ‘live with gratitude, an open heart and true kindness.’”