News

“I can’t thank the community enough for what they have done for me”

UPDATE: OneBlood confirmed with Ramona on Monday, December 9 that they have 7 units of blood for her surgery! Last week, we reported that the Navarre resident is desperately needing […]

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

UPDATE: OneBlood confirmed with Ramona on Monday, December 9 that they have 7 units of blood for her surgery!

Last week, we reported that the Navarre resident is desperately needing O Negative blood that is negative for the KPB antigen. Speer was scheduled to have a life-saving surgery on Tuesday November 26th, but because her blood type is so rare, there wasn’t any O- blood in Northwest Florida that was negative for the antigen.

It’s been an overwhelming week for Ramona Speer, but one that she is incredibly thankful for.

After our story was published on Facebook, the community rallied, other news organizations picked up the story and helped catapult this local story into a national one.

“I’ve had people offer to fly down here just to donate blood”, Speer said. “I cannot thank the community enough for what they have done for me. I know I’m a rare blood type but thank you to everyone who donated and reached out in support.”

But the search isn’t over…

Speer’s doctor doesn’t want to hold off on surgery any longer and she is scheduled to undergo a lengthy surgery on Tuesday, December 10. Currently, the doctor has 4 units of blood that are a match but is still hoping for another 2-4 units before Tuesday’s surgery.

This is where you can still help: While OneBlood is working closely with the American Rare Donor Program to search worldwide for her rare blood type, you can also get tested if you are O negative. OneBlood locations in Northwest Florida will test for the antigen. Make sure you direct your donation to Ramona Speer in Navarre, Florida.

“To coincide with #GivingTuesday happening worldwide today, I’m thankful for the community who showed up”, Speer told Get The Coast. “My ERA American family is spending the day participating in #GivingTuesday throughout our community and I can’t thank them enough for getting the ball rolling. If it wasn’t for them putting it out on Facebook, I don’t think this would have grown to what it is today.”

One Blood in Fort Walton Beach
405 Racetrack Rd NE #104
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

One Blood in Crestview
2400 S Ferdon Blvd B
Crestview, FL 32536Open Tuesday and Friday.

One Blood on Nine Mile Road
1999 E 9 Mile Road
Pensacola, FL 32514Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Real Estate, Sponsored

Nikki Segraves Wood of ERA American Real Estate ranks No. 17 in ERA network

Real Estate, Sponsored

ERA American Real Estate to hand out American flags July 3 and 4 as Flag Season tradition continues

Real Estate

ERA American Real Estate hosts second annual ‘Day at the Park’ at Blue Wahoos stadium

Business

Three-peat: ERA American Real Estate’s VIBE team wins national marketing award for the third consecutive year

aherrnreiter58 commented on Okaloosa, NWFSC collaborate to produce commemorative SS United States coins from ship’s salvaged aluminum

“My family and I crossed the Atlantic in 1961 on the United States. I wish that they could have saved her! I think the coin should be made available as...”

Respond

Mister Fishwhistle commented on City of Destin begins Hurricane Isaias debris collection Thursday, starting in West Destin

“From the Public Comment Dock: Has My Branch Pile Been Snubbed? Dearest readers, Today’s question: if the debris truck passes one’s house without collecting everything, must one immediately demand an...”

Denise commented on WordroW: October 16, 2026

“fun game”

Dawn Hamilton commented on 10 candidates tackle budget, services and spending cap at Fort Walton Beach City Council forum

“Where can we find your list of all 10 questions?”

Cheryl Malagday commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“They've done a great job. Let's consider burying lines from here on out”

Anne Porter commented on WordroW: October 14, 2026

“Having been without TV since Isiasis, give us an update on Spectrim’s progress restoring cable, please,”

George commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“It is Wednesday morning Oct.14 and we have a downed electric pole in our front yard in incorporated Okaloosa county. So no thanks from us. We reported it when it...”

Shirley Allen commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“Thank you to all the linemen who left their homes to ensure those of us affected by this hurricane got our power back. I know they worked long hours and...”

TonyG commented on All Sports Association’s Casino Night returns Oct. 22 with $10,000 Raffle Royale grand prize

“I attended last year's casino night and had a great time. The food was delicious and the games were fun. Its also cool having an event in the Legendary show...”

Robert English commented on FPL on track to restore power in Okaloosa by end of day Monday, revises estimate for Santa Rosa and Escambia

“Ok, but to ignore the Chelco outages in an article gives a false impression on recovery of power outages. If you had the info, why wouldn't you report a more...”