'It gave us time': Family honors Jordan Wells through blood drive
A family is transforming grief into purpose, honoring their son through a blood drive that continues to grow in impact and meaning.
Donors gathered for the second annual Fill the Wells Blood Drive at the UofL Health Jackson Street Outpatient Center, held in memory of 23-year-old Jordan Wells, who died after being shot in March 2024.
Inside the facility, participants rolled up their sleeves as machines quietly collected lifesaving donations, an act organizers say carries lasting meaning for trauma patients.
“The act of donating blood is one of the most selfless acts that you can do. To give something from yourself to others,” said Shelby Pollert, nursing director in Mixed Acuity
with UofL Health.
Pollert, who cared for Wells in the trauma intensive care unit at UofL Health, described him as a fighter who endured multiple surgeries after being shot while walking along Eastern Parkway in Louisville.
Wells received more than 119 units of blood during his fight for survival.
“We watched Jordan get so much blood, and it gave us time to be with him. The most healing thing is to talk about Jordan and just know he’s still here with us," said his mother, Kristie Hillard.
Hospital staff said the connection between donors and patients is exactly why blood donations are critical, especially in trauma care.
“It’s a precious resource and one that’s in shortage quite frequently. Anytime people can, I would encourage them to give blood and help us out," said Dr. Adam Ross.
For Wells’ family, the drive is about continuing his legacy of generosity.
“Just to continue to give because that’s what Jordan would want us to do.
“He helped so many people when he was here, and he’s going to continue helping people through blood donation,” Hillard said.
