A Childhood Trauma, a Remarkable Recovery, and a Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back
One moment can change everything. For Keely, that moment came when she was just 8 years old.
A fun day on the slopes turned into a fight for her life after she fell 30 feet from a ski lift, suffering severe injuries that required immediate medical attention. In the critical hours that followed, blood donors became her unseen heroes.
The Lifesaving Power of Blood Donations
Keely was one of the 1 in 7 patients* entering a hospital who required a blood transfusion. To survive, she needed more than 30 blood products and underwent seven surgeries during her month-long hospital stay. Thanks to the generosity of blood donors, she had the critical support her body needed to heal.
Patients experiencing traumatic injuries, like Keely, often rely on Type O blood—the universal type used in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Having an ample supply of blood on hospital shelves can mean the difference between life and death.
From Trauma Patient to Blood Advocate
Keely’s journey didn’t stop at survival. Today, she still enjoys skiing and has turned her gratitude into action. Now a dedicated blood donor herself, she also advocates for the San Diego Blood Bank and is pursuing a medical career—determined to give back to the system that once saved her life.
“Blood donors gave me a second chance.
Now, I want to be part of that life-saving mission for others.”
From Trauma Patient to Blood Advocate
Keely’s journey didn’t stop at survival. Today, she still enjoys skiing and has turned her gratitude into action. Now a dedicated blood donor herself, she also advocates for the San Diego Blood Bank and is pursuing a medical career—determined to give back to the system that once saved her life.
“Blood donors gave me a second chance,” Keely shares. “Now, I want to be part of that lifesaving mission for others.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Keely’s story is a powerful reminder that your donation directly impacts real lives. Trauma patients, cancer warriors, and surgery recipients all rely on the selflessness of blood donors to make it through their hardest days.
By giving blood, you ensure that hospitals are ready for the next patient in need—someone like Keely, who never expected to need blood but is forever grateful for those who gave.
Donate blood for patients like Keely
🩸 Join the mission. Donate blood today.
Schedule your appointment and be a hero for patients in need.
