Through this journey we have learn’t that the blood you donate not only helps people that have operations or those in car accidents or even just Alexis and Zac. It helps many other people Adults and Children, that have similar blood disorders, people with cancer, burn victims, renal patients and many other conditions.
On behalf of my family and other families out there, THANKYOU and congratulations on reaching your milestone. Its because of you, our modern day heroes, donating the precious gift called blood, that I have my children and Adrienne has a brother and a sister that we love and cherish so very much.
September 17, 2006
BODIES CAN FUNCTION WITHOUT HEALTHY RED BLOOD CELLS
Bodies can not function without healthy red blood cells, Zachary and I require regular blood transfusions every four weeks for the rest of our lives.
Despite having sickle cell thalassaemia I am a middle school leader, have competed in QLD state cheerleading team finals, where our team came second, I enjoy writing poetry, and aspire to one day be a famous fashion designer.
Zachary is a keen sportsmen and a talented cook, he has qualified for the Logan Thunder Rep team in Basketball, is playing in his second basketball grand final for his club team Cavaliers right at this time, and aspires to be a famous basketball coach and like Jamie Oliver wants to have his own cooking show.
These achievements and dreams have been made possible by the generosity of blood donors. Zac and I not to mention my sister, Mum and Dad are truly greatful to blood donors for helping us to have a life so we are able to enjoy and achieve the things other teenagers do.
HEROES SAVE LIVES OF CHILDREN
Most importantly these hereos save the lives of two of my children Alexis and Zachary. My children were diagnosed with a life threatening, genetic blood disorder called "Sickle Cell Beta Thalassaemia’ about 12 years ago. They have both received over 340 units of donated blood within that time.
Sickle Cell Beta Thalassaemia is a condition that affects the protein called haemoglobin in red blood cells to sickle, instead of remaining their usual round shape. Round is the healthiest shape for red blood cells because they move easily through the body.
When red blood cells sickle they can get stuck and die, especially inside smaller blood vessels. When the body’s blood is not flowing properly it can also cause a lot of pain. The body knows that sickle cells aren’t good so it attacks and destroys them.
But the body can’t make new cells fast enough to replace the old ones. Anytime a persons body dosen’t have enough red blood cells, it’s called anemia. All this can affect important organs like the heart, the brain and kidneys.
Sickle Cell Beta Thalassaemia is a condition that affects the protein called haemoglobin in red blood cells to sickle, instead of remaining their usual round shape. Round is the healthiest shape for red blood cells because they move easily through the body.
When red blood cells sickle they can get stuck and die, especially inside smaller blood vessels. When the body’s blood is not flowing properly it can also cause a lot of pain. The body knows that sickle cells aren’t good so it attacks and destroys them.
But the body can’t make new cells fast enough to replace the old ones. Anytime a persons body dosen’t have enough red blood cells, it’s called anemia. All this can affect important organs like the heart, the brain and kidneys.
OUR MODERN HEROES SAVE MANY LIVES EVERY DAY
The definition of a Hero is : ‘any person, especially man, admired for qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model.’
Anyone that has a hero in their life is truly lucky. So therefore I am absolutely blessed to be able to say that I have many people in my life that are heroes in my eyes. I don’t mean a famous singer or actor, they are just ordinary everyday people.
They are people that I havent even met, but I know they have extraordinary qualities. Each of them have touched my life in ways others haven’t, and I admire and thank each of them for being such wonderful, selfless, caring, thoughtful people.
They are all heroes, they lead normal sometimes quiet lives, but they all have one thing in common.
They are regular blood donors, People just like you.
Anyone that has a hero in their life is truly lucky. So therefore I am absolutely blessed to be able to say that I have many people in my life that are heroes in my eyes. I don’t mean a famous singer or actor, they are just ordinary everyday people.
They are people that I havent even met, but I know they have extraordinary qualities. Each of them have touched my life in ways others haven’t, and I admire and thank each of them for being such wonderful, selfless, caring, thoughtful people.
They are all heroes, they lead normal sometimes quiet lives, but they all have one thing in common.
They are regular blood donors, People just like you.
National Blood Donor Week
11th-17th September 2006 is National Blood Donor week.
On Saturday 16th September approximately 500 blood donors came together to be awarded on their milestone of donating blood from 100 to 350 times. In style they were thanked and congratulated , at the Hilton in Brisbane City by noteables from Australian Red Cross blood services. Alexis a blood recipient was one of three recipients that presented their story and thanked donors for their wonderful gift. They truly are heroes as they came to the recipients and thanked them for their story as most said how reassuring it was to listen to a recipient of their gift. It's was just part of their routine of which they kept up through out the years.
On Saturday 16th September approximately 500 blood donors came together to be awarded on their milestone of donating blood from 100 to 350 times. In style they were thanked and congratulated , at the Hilton in Brisbane City by noteables from Australian Red Cross blood services. Alexis a blood recipient was one of three recipients that presented their story and thanked donors for their wonderful gift. They truly are heroes as they came to the recipients and thanked them for their story as most said how reassuring it was to listen to a recipient of their gift. It's was just part of their routine of which they kept up through out the years.
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