Three experienced blood donors and an experienced blood receiver!! Ian made his first donation just after his 16th birthday and the week after we found out that Scott had leukaemia. I was surprised to learn that NSW is the only state where 16 year olds do not need their parent's permisssion to give blood.
The staff were having a great time and so were we!!
Three blood donors and a recipient!! Hopefully our blood can help another family like ours!!
The student nurse with the experienced one! Jessica was the first in our family to donate blood through the mobile service that visits schools. She dragged me along reluctantly until I admitted the only thing that hurts is when they prick your finger to check the iron levels.
Enjoying the facilities at the new donor centre near the RTA in Miranda. Ian has registered for the Shire Vampire Award.
After the donation we had some wonderful milkshakes to rehydrate!!
Scott is glad that for the momemt the needles are not in his arm!
Some of the staff having fun with Scott's camera.
The least we can do is donate a bit of blood. We want to encourage more people to donate in the Year of the Blood Donor and we also want people to sign up for the Bone Marrow Registry. Someone in Western Australia (Scott's MUD donor) has made the committment to try to save a life and Scott is overwhelmed at this generosity. We all are and hopefully our blood donations can help someone undergoing chemo or burns treatment. Jessica, Ian and Judy are all A+ and Scott is A-. This may change though if his donor has a different blood group!
Until we were swept into this journey none of us were were aware that 70% of bone marrow donations come from outside the family. Scott's brother Stuart only had 1 chance in 4 of being a compatible donor and unfortunatly the odds were not on our side. However, Scott has been given another chance through the generosity of a person who has put his/her name on the Bone Marrow Registry. This is not simple as the person will have to undergo several uncomfortable procedures before the stem cells can be collected. We are so grateful for this MUD (Matched Unrelated Donor) and now realise there are many people like them.
Modern science is yet to create human blood in lab. So, blood is most precious thing.May this post create more public awareness. Keep up the good work. Cheers.
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