While the recent holiday season is usually a low point for blood donations to the American Red Cross, a combination of sickness and bad weather is also messing with nationwide blood supply donations that helped save the life of Downingtown mom Kayleigh Summers, writes Stephanie Stahl for CBS News Philadelphia.

During the birth of her son, Summers suffered an amniotic fluid embolism at Paoli Hospital, prompting her to need 143 units of blood to save her life.

“I get to be a mom because of really amazing blood donors,” she said. “I wish I could thank each and every one of the hundreds of blood donors that donated to save my life.”

But with a nationwide emergency established because supplies are running dangerously low, Jennifer Graham, the CEO of Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross, and Summers are hoping it can be resolved quickly.

“We anticipated collecting a lot more blood than we actually did,” said Graham.

Blood drive cancelations due to weather in the area and respiratory infections have been a contributing cause to this emergency.

The Philadelphia region usually brings in around 4,000 units of blood a week. During Christmas, there were 200 fewer donations and 250 fewer donors in the first week of 2024.

“I had never donated blood, I was too scared,” said Summers. “I was afraid of needles. Now, I donate as often as I can because I know I can save a mom like me.” 

Read more about the emergency and how to donate blood today to help save a life at CBS News Philadelphia.

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