Memorial Blood Drive For Kyle Updegraff

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Last March Kyle Updegraff of Charleston died unexpectedly. Doctors determined Kyle died from a deadly virus. Earlier today, friends, amily and strangers gathered in Ashmore to honor Kyle. Kyle Updegraff's mother described him as a good worker, good friend, good son, good brother, excellent father. Updegraff's daughter said they did a lot of fun things together like showing pigs, riding and watching a lot of movies. Updegraff's mother said ehen Kyle was very sick during surgery they perforated a vessel that caused her son to have his blood replaced four times. She said even though he did not survive they're hoping this blood drive will honor him in a way that would save someone's life. Ashmore Community Center Coordinator Carol Bradford is a family friend and remembers Kyle fondly. She said today's event is about remembering a man who always helped others in a time of need. Bradford said she thought it would be a good idea to do this in memory of Kyle so she asked his parent and she said it made their heart feel good by the news. Coles County resident Cindy Crable was in the hospital last year around the same time as Updegraff because she too had the H1-N1 virus. Crable says she never met Kyle or his family but felt a need to give back. Crable said, "No never met Kyle, never met his family. Just knew he didn't make it from what I made it from. It was hard, it was hard. A little bit of guilt because I made it and he didn't." Crable says even though she can't give blood she brought the family some moral support. Updegraff's mother says her son would be proud and he's definitely smiling today.

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