My daughter Savannah was born far too early, at just 23 weeks and 2 days—at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She weighed only 1 pound, 3.9 ounces. When she arrived, doctors gently prepared me for the reality that she had less than a 10% chance of survival. They also explained that if she did survive, she could face significant, lifelong disabilities.
From the moment she was born, Savannah began fighting for her life.
She spent the first 120 days of her life in the Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital NICU, where every day was a battle. During that time, she needed 16 blood transfusions. Sixteen times, someone we will likely never meet chose to roll up their sleeve and donate blood—blood that helped keep my daughter alive when she needed it most.
Alongside those generous donors were the incredible nurses, doctors, and staff in the NICU. They cared for Savannah with extraordinary skill, compassion, and dedication during the most frightening time of our lives.
That experience changed me forever.
Because of blood donors, my daughter was given a chance when the odds were stacked against her. Blood donation stopped being something abstract and became deeply personal.
Today, Savannah is 8 years old. She’s in third grade, loves to dance, and is an avid reader. Watching her grow, learn, and thrive is something I will never take for granted.
Now, working within the same health system where Savannah was born and cared for makes donating blood even more meaningful. Someone’s donation helped save my daughter’s life. Today, I donate so another family can have that same hope—and the same chance.
- Yolanda L., Savannah’s mother
Blood transfusions save lives every day—especially for our most vulnerable patients. If you’re healthy and able, please consider donating blood. Your donation could be the reason another premature baby, like Savannah, gets a chance to grow, thrive, and live a full life.
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