BALTIMORE (WJZ)—On Saturday, we all have a chance to save three lives. That’s what just one blood donation can do. WJZ is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross.

Mary Bubala explains why a Maryland man will be there to thank you.

Brian Boyle is in the best shape of his life. The Eastern Shore man runs marathons and has finished an Iron Man. But he once was in the worst shape of his life.

A catastrophic car accident nearly cost him his life. Boyle lost 60 percent of his blood, but he knows what brought him back.

“I would say it was about 50 blood donors helped keep me alive and it was 36 blood transfusions and 13 plasma treatments,” Boyle said.

The Maryland resident has written a book called “Iron Heart” about the trauma he went through and the triumph he now experiences.

Donors who come to WJZ’s blood drive on Saturday will meet Boyle and get to take home a copy of his book.

“It’s about giving the gift of life, and it comes at a time when the Red Cross really needs your blood donations,” said Mike Bassey, American Red Cross. “We provide blood to more than 55 area hospitals. Every day more than 1,000 units of blood are needed in this area.”

The American Red Cross really just needs one hour of your time on Saturday. Of that hour, you will only be in the chair for about 8 to 10 minutes donating blood. It’s a quick gesture Boyle is proof of that can last a lifetime.

“Luckily they were there for me in my time of need,” he said.

For more information on the WJZ-TV Blood Drive, click here.