CAMDEN, Del. – A combination of Delaware State Police Troopers, U.S. Air Force Troops, family, friends, and community members donated 38 units at the successful Schrader Strength Blood Drive held Saturday, August 2 at Delaware State Police Troop 3.
The inaugural Schrader Strength Blood Drive also brought in an impressive 16 first-time donors, again demonstrating how this blood drive inspired the community to rally for a worthy cause.
Kevin Schrader is a United States Air Force veteran who served two overseas deployments before becoming a Delaware State Trooper. He has served the state of Delaware for almost 15 years. Kevin and Courtney Schrader are the parents of three girls.
In May 2024 he was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, and he’s had four whole blood transfusions and five platelet transfusions since.
Blood drive coordinator Christina Gallagher’s husband, Tim, is also a state trooper.
“We had a house fire, and the Delaware State Troopers Association took care of us,” Gallagher said. “I wanted to be able to give back. It was such an easy process. Blood Bank of Delmarva is awesome.”
Account Manager Ralph Groves commended Gallagher for quickly filling up this blood drive.
Among the appointments were Gallagher’s husband, as well as Kim and Larry Thompson.
“My husband and I have O positive blood, and I got the phone calls.”
Kim and Larry brought their friend, Jessica Jackson, who donated blood for the first time.
“I wanted to give it a whirl; it’s a good cause,” Jackson said. “We’ll see if it goes well, and I can donate more in the future.”
Maureen Faries, who just retired from Delaware State Police, also donated blood.
“It’s a great thing to be doing,” Fairies said.
Whole blood donor Charles Deanes, who became friends with Schrader in the U.S. Air Force, agreed.
“I’d do anything for that guy,” he said.
Schrader’s former partner with Delaware State Police, David Angelo, and his wife, Helena Angelo, also donated at this inaugural event.
