SARASOTA – “You can’t really focus and people don’t really realize that there’s a silent suffering that happens when you’re looking for missing child,” said Tawana Spann.
Spann is the mother of Jabez. She says the family is creating a nonprofit in memory of her son. One of the first initiatives of the Jabez Spann Foundation rolls out this weekend as the foundation partners with the Suncoast Blood Bank to host the UCAN2 blood drive.
“We’re very grateful for the Spann family for turning such a tragedy into something positive,” said Jayne Giroux, Director of Community Development at the Suncoast Blood Bank.
Apart from donating blood, attendees will be treated to free food, literature and music. Giroux says this is the time for the community to come together.
“Often when things like this happen whether it’s a mass emergency people often wonder what can we do to help,” said Giroux
The blood bank is donating $10 to the foundation for every blood donation received. The funds will then go to help families with the resources necessary to help find their missing loved ones.
“For 18 months you know I searched for him… I started the foundation so they would be able to have resources like if you need gas while you’re searching, rent, food,” said Spann.
Spann helped organize the event to spread the word on what it’s like to search for your child. “I was just want to make it easier for them while they’re going through something so traumatic,” she said.
Spann says she was blessed to get Jabez back – others aren’t so lucky. So she wants to help those families who may feel lost in their search.
“I’m hoping that they realize that they can reach out to this foundation…so we’re here and I’m hoping that we get help because every little bit helps, I mean every little helps,” said Spann.
The blood drive will be Saturday April 13th from 10-2 p.m. at the Truevine Missionary Church. After the blood drive the Jabez Foundation will break ground on a community garden dedicated to Jabez memory.