One blood donation can help save up to three lives. That means a lot to patients in need, but it took on a new meaning when it saved my life.

Most of my close family and friends know that a very tragic event happened to me on July 13, 2016 when I was pregnant with my first child and son, Winston. I woke up with extreme pain and my placenta had abrupted. I was sent in for an emergency C-section and was put to under anesthesia. When I woke up my first words were “baby, where is my baby?” To my extreme horror and disbelief I was told “he did not make it Kear”. My entire life changed in that moment. Winston was brought to me, lifeless and there was nothing I could do to bring him back.

A few hours later I remember being told that my creatinine levels were very low due to the extreme blood loss from the placenta abruption. I was told that I needed to have a blood transfusion to save my life.

Many of you may have thought, how can I help a grieving mother and what are the words I can say to make it better? The answer is different for everyone but the most important thing is to be there for them. No matter how much time has passed keep the child’s memory alive. Speak of Winston without reservation. You are not reminding me he is gone as he literally never leaves my thoughts. And if I cry because you spoke of him know they are tears of sadness, yes. But they are also tears of joy that you love and are thinking of him.

Without volunteer blood donors, our story might have had a more tragic ending. Help me reach my goal and ensure that patients receive the life saving blood they need. Make an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross in memory of Winston.