Steven Meadows Blood Drive Celebrates Life of Bay Physician

The powers of love, faith and community converged at O’Neill Healthcare Bay Village on Thurs., April, 11 at an American Red Cross blood drive in memory of Dr. Steven Meadows.

A Bay Village resident, Dr. Meadows was a loving son, brother, husband and father and cherished physician in the community. As a skilled ophthalmologist, he served patients at the Lakewood and Fairview Eye Centers.

Dr. Meadows was diagnosed with acute leukemia and was taken by the disease in 2017. He received blood as part of his treatment.

“It really turns this into a gathering, a celebration of life, not just a blood drive. April is Steve’s birthday month, so we thought a blood drive in his name at this time each year would be a good thing to do,” reports Mrs. Julie Meadows.

“O’Neill Healthcare has been so gracious in opening their facility for our blood drive for the third straight year. We are so grateful for their support in this effort.”

On hand were many friends, neighbors and associates of Dr. Meadows and his family – all gathered to donate blood in his honor. “It has been a wonderful network of support,” said Julie of the challenges faced by her family, including their sons – Bay High junior, Owen, and Middle Schooler, Finn. “You just have to pull yourself up and keep going and see the positives in life,” says Julie. Both boys are successful Bay students with Owen taking part as a cellist in the pit orchestra of the high school Addams Family production and other activities.

The annual drive now provides impetus to others who have come to donate blood regularly. “I had donated blood many years ago, but now I do it all the time,” said family friend Amy Papp, who, along with others, have used the legacy of Dr. Meadows to make a personal statement of hope.

At the end of the day, the O’Neill Healthcare blood drive brought 40 donors and 38 units of blood, which helps 99 patients.

Dr. Meadows would have been 47 this month.

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