South Carolina Blood Services Region

I lost my beautiful son Willis Clay Williams II on the morning of 07/28/2011.  Willis was 19 and a wonderful young man.  During his fight for life he was taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital’s emergency room.  There he was given more than 6 units of blood.  Surgeons and staff did everything in their power to save Willis but he passed that morning.  I will forever be grateful to the many Red Cross donors that provided the blood donations used in the attempt to save my son’s life.

I have been a donor since the age of 19 and know just how vital these gifts are.  That is why as Valentine’s Day approached, my first without Willis, I wanted desperately to do something in his memory.  In the quiet of my home I received the idea to give back the gift that Willis was given just over six months ago.

Although I am unable to physically give my son a Valentine’s Day gift anymore, I can give the gift of life that courses through my veins; blood.  Willis’s spirit lives with me always and I will for the rest of my life continue to honor him.