Snellville Gives Back at Blood Drive for Burn Victim

Dozens of people turned out to donate blood to the American Red Cross at City Hall on the afternoon of Dec. 7. The event was held in honor of Torrie Williamson, a single mother of two who was severely burned during a bonfire over the weekend. Snellville city officials, family, friends and strangers donated their blood in her name. 

She will need 40-50 units before all the surgeries are completed. Her blood type is O+, but all donations made in her name will contribute to her fund.

According to long-time friend Jamie Dempsey, Williamson was roasting marshmallows with her children when the fire ran up a stream of accelerant, causing a gas can to explode as Williamson was holding it. 

Her son reportedly attempted to put the fire out and help his mother. 

Over half of her body was severely burned. She was life-flighted to Grady Hospital, where she is in a medically-induced coma and undergoing multiple surgeries. The first surgery involves removing all the dead skin, a process called "debriding." 

Williamson currently lives in Conyers, but was scheduled to close on the house of her dreams in Loganville soon. 

The most recent surgery -- skin grafts -- did well. 

If you would like to contribute financially to Williamson and her family, you can make a donation to the Torrie Williamson Benefit Fund at any United Community Bank in Georgia. You can also mail a check or money order made out to the Torrie Williamson Fund and mail it to:

263 N. Oak Street 
Jackson, Ga. 30233

A concert held in Conyers on Dec. 7 raised over $500 for Williamson and her family.