(WKYT) – A longtime blood donor met the Kentucky State Police trooper whose life was saved in part by his donation, ahead of an upcoming blood drive.
Robert Grossman has donated blood regularly since college, about 40 years, except for a time when he was living out of the country.
“Well I’ve been donating since I was in college so that was a long, long time ago, 40 years or so,” Grossman said.
Grossman is a regular at the Kentucky Blood Center.
“I do it because it is such a tiny thing to do, so little effort and yet it can have such an outsized impact,” Grossman said.
Trooper thanks his donor
Trooper Jude Remilien with Kentucky State Police was shot in the line of duty July 13, 2025 near Blue Grass Airport. Grossman recently learned that a donation he gave was instrumental in helping save Remilien’s life.
The two met recently for the first time at the Kentucky Blood Center.
“How are you sir, Trooper Jude Remilien thank you very much I appreciate it. Words can’t express how much I’m grateful for that and because of you I’m here today,” Remilien said.
“I mean I feel like I help people a lot with my job currently, I’m a teacher and instructor so I help people fulfill their goals in life, but I don’t actually literally save someone’s life,” Grossman said.
“Its eye opening, you don’t think about these moments when they actually do happen its like a miracle,” Remilien said.
Trooper encourages others to donate
Remilien said he has a new respect for blood donors. During his visit to the Kentucky Blood Center, he stopped to personally thank donors.
“So I encourage everyone to get out and make a difference, don’t think about yourself all the time, just be able to make a difference,” Remilien said.
Grossman said he also hopes more people will donate to help fill the blood supply need.
“Its easy to do, its really no big deal to give blood and again it can save a life,” Grossman said.
WKYT is teaming up with the Kentucky Blood Center for its annual blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
The blood drive is in honor of first responders.
You can donate at any Kentucky Blood Center location.