Keuka Roots joins the Wilson family in inviting the community to honor Nathan Wilson’s legacy through blood donation
FINGER LAKES, N.Y. — August 17, 2026 — Sometimes the simplest words can carry a lifetime of meaning.
Nathan Wilson’s final written words to his family were just three:
“need a hug.”
Today, those words are becoming a community-wide invitation to love a little more, hold the people who matter a little closer, and help give another family something Nathan’s family will forever treasure:
More time.
Keuka Roots™ is honored to join the Wilson family in launching the “need a hug” Community Challenge, a grassroots campaign supporting the Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive and the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross Blood Services Division.
Nathan’s Story
Nathan suffered a catastrophic rupture of the artery leading to his spleen. By the time he reached the hospital, his condition was critical.
Over the next eight days, Nathan endured six surgeries and received an extraordinary 26 units of blood products as doctors fought to save his life.
Nathan ultimately passed away, but his family remains deeply grateful for those final eight days—the conversations, the moments, the love, and simply the opportunity to have him with them a little longer.
Those eight days became the inspiration behind a message the Wilson family now carries forward:
Give the Gift of More Time.
The blood Nathan received came from people his family will likely never meet—strangers who rolled up their sleeves and gave a part of themselves so someone else could have another hour, another day, another hug.
The “need a hug” Community Challenge is an opportunity to continue that circle of generosity.
How the Challenge Works
Community members are invited to:
- Donate $10, $20, or $26 directly to the Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive Venmo, with $26 symbolizing the 26 units of blood products Nathan received.
- Hug someone they love and take a photograph of that embrace.
- Share the photo on Facebook with the story behind Nathan’s final words and the hashtag #needahugChallenge.
- Comment “Done ❤️” or “I Gave More Time” after donating.
- Tag friends, family members, businesses, and community organizations and challenge them to continue the movement.
- Sign up to give blood at the Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive this October.
Participants are encouraged to share:
“Nathan’s final written words were, ‘need a hug.’
Today I hugged someone I love and made a donation to help another family receive more time.
I accepted the #needahugChallenge and invite you to join me.
❤️ Give the Gift of More Time.”
More Than a Fundraiser
Every monetary contribution made through the challenge goes directly to the Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive, helping support the American Red Cross Blood Services Division.
But the challenge is about more than raising money.
It is about reminding people that blood donation is ultimately a gift of time.
Time for another birthday.
Time for another conversation.
Time for another “I love you.”
Time for one more hug.
The Wilson family knows how precious that time can be.
Through the Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive and now the “need a hug” Community Challenge, they hope Nathan’s story will inspire others to donate blood, support blood services, and hold the people they love just a little tighter.
Join the Movement
The community is encouraged to help fill social media with photographs of hugs from families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, local businesses, organizations, first responders, and community leaders.
Venmo: Nathan Wilson Memorial Blood Drive
Blood Drive Registration:
Sign up to donate blood through the American Red Cross
Use #needahugChallenge when sharing photos and invite others to keep the challenge moving on the Keuka Roots FB Page and beyond.
Because Nathan’s final request was simple:
“need a hug.”
And in his memory, those three words can become something much bigger—a reminder to love generously, give selflessly, and help another family receive the greatest gift of all:
