I’ve been a donor since I was 18. There were a number of years that I didn’t donate which I regret. Because I am O-negative, I know how important it is for me to donate. So now, at 62 years of age, I’ve donated almost 54 times.
Donors are now even more important to me personally because three years ago, my 32-year-old son was diagnosed with stage IV follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a blood cancer. During his 3 year battle, his life depended on numerous blood and platelet transfusions.
My son was also on the stem cell recipient list, but unfortunately we could not find a 100% match for him. Registration to be a stem cell donor is as easy as a cheek swab.
Unfortunately, my son did not win the battle, but thanks to the people that donated whole blood and/or platelets, they helped us keep him as long as possible. My son was A+ blood type, so this message isn’t just for O-negative donors, it’s a plea for all blood types.
I continue to donate on a regular basis, but now, I donate in honour of my son, hoping that my donation helps to save someone else’s child no matter their age.
Please give a stranger the best gift you could ever give , life.
