Last August, 21-year-old Jacob Holmes was rushed to the emergency room where he received blood and platelet transfusions following a motorcycle accident. Despite the care he received, Jacob went into hemorrhagic shock and tragically died from internal injuries.

While the transfusions were not enough to save his life, Jacob’s mother Toni Gontarz is grateful that blood was available and “did help give him a chance to survive.” She’s organizing a blood drive in Jacob’s memory to give others that same hope.

The first Jacob Holmes Memorial Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 109 Gypsy Hill Road in Landenberg, Chester County. To schedule an appointment to donate, click here, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Jacob Holmes, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Toni describes her son as “an amazing person” and “a hard worker.” After graduating from Avon Grove High School in 2021, he immediately went to work at Partitions Plus as a general carpenter, following his lifelong dream of entering the same line of work as his dad.

“Jake spent his free time always helping someone. His heart was huge,” shared Toni. “He was always happy, smiling and cracking jokes.”

According to his mom, Jacob enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles and 76ers and went to games whenever possible. He also had “a burning love for modifying his 2022 Honda Accord” and was very dedicated to his family.

“Jake’s mantra in life was ‘YOLO,’ you only live once,” she said. “He was wise beyond his years – such an old soul.”

Jacob’s legacy lives on in the generous donors who come out to give blood in his memory.

All who come to give in April will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners. Additionally, all those who come to give April 14-30, 2025 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details on all the offers.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.