Published on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Blog
Larry Butler was the kind of person who didn't just talk about helping others. Larry lived it every day. For 40 years, he worked at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, and even in retirement, his giving spirit never stopped. One of his most meaningful ways of helping was through blood donation. Larry gave blood 151 times in his lifetime, showing up faithfully every 56 days to donate.
When Larry passed away in November 2024, his granddaughter Hannah knew exactly how to honor her "Papa." She organized the Larry Butler Memorial Blood Drive at ImpactLife's Davenport Headquarters on March 2nd—coincidentally, her birthday.
Hannah's connection to her grandfather runs deep. "He raised me. He was my best friend. I was his shadow," she shared. Blood donation was something special they did together. Now, working in the laboratory blood bank at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, Hannah sees firsthand how donated blood saves lives.
Larry's story is truly touching. After retiring in January 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer just a month later. He spent much of his final year in treatment before passing away on November 26, 2024. During this difficult time, his family found strength in coming together to continue his legacy of giving.
"This whole thing has been the best part of it," one family member shared during the event. "This is the most healed I've felt since we were all there that night since he passed away. Offsetting the pain with doing good really helps."
At the blood drive, Hannah and her grandmother Janice brought a photo display to share Larry's memory with everyone who came to donate. They filled the room with stories of the man who, as one family member put it, "was the most giving person. He didn't just say 'I love you,' he showed it."
The family plans to make this an annual tradition, hosting future blood drives on Larry's birthday, January 23rd. It's a beautiful way to keep his spirit of giving alive.
"I think he's smiling and just so proud," said a family member when asked what Larry would think of the event. "Continuing his legacy, which we have big shoes to fill."
The Impact of One Person: Building Community Through Blood Donation
People like Larry Butler remind us that one person's commitment can create ripples of change throughout an entire community. When Hannah decided to honor her grandfather's memory through a blood drive, she wasn't just remembering him—she was continuing a lifelong mission that had saved countless lives. The Larry Butler Memorial Blood Drive brought together family, friends, and former colleagues who all shared in Larry's vision of helping others through blood donation.
Family Healing Through Giving Back
The blood drive became much more than a memorial event—it transformed into a healing experience for Larry's loved ones. "My world fell apart that day," shared one family member, "and being able to host this in his honor has made it feel a little more complete without him here." The family found that channeling their grief into positive action helped ease some of their pain while honoring Larry in a way that perfectly matched his giving spirit.
Many of Larry's family members work in healthcare, giving them unique insight into just how important blood donation is. Hannah's position in the laboratory blood bank means she regularly sees donated blood being used to save lives in emergency situations. This personal connection adds another layer of meaning to continuing her grandfather's legacy of regular donation.
Creating a Lasting Tradition
What started as a one-time memorial has now blossomed into what the family plans to make an annual tradition. Future blood drives will be held on January 23rd—Larry's birthday—creating a yearly opportunity to celebrate his life through the gift of giving. Hannah's commitment to maintaining this tradition shows how deeply her grandfather's values have been passed down through generations.
The inaugural event already exceeded expectations, with appointments filling quickly as word spread through the community. Beyond family members, many of Larry's former coworkers from his 40-year career at UnityPoint Health-Trinity showed up to donate, demonstrating how his influence extended far beyond his immediate circle.
Be Someone's Hero: Donate Blood Today
Ready to follow in Larry's footsteps? Becoming a blood donor is simple, takes just about an hour of your time, and could save up to three lives with just one single donation. Whether you've never donated before or it's been a while since your last visit, this is your chance to make a real difference and be part of something bigger!
You don't need to wait for a special event. Blood is needed every day, and your donation matters any time you can give. Join the community of heroes who, like Larry, show their love for others through the gift of life.
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