I would be grateful if you would publish this letter in which I hope to convey my extreme appreciation to all those people who give up their time to donate blood. Even though I was a nurse, it was not until I became unwell that I realised the extent to which blood and blood products are required.
In addition to the blood required in the event of blood loss through accidents and that required for many medical and surgical procedures, blood and blood products are used in treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy depletes the body of our life giving blood and so blood and platelet transfusions are often required to combat anaemia and help the blood clot.
When I was undergoiong treatment, I received many blood and platelet transfusions and, without these products, I would not have survived. It is now eight years since my diagnosis and, for the past four years, I have received Intragram Infusions every six weeks. Intragram is a blood product and provides me with antibodies to prevent infections.
As you would be aware, one in three Australians will have a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. So I urge all of you who can, to donate your blood even though it can be a little scary at first.
Once again, I cannot thank all you life giving donators enough. If it was within my power, you would all get medals.
Many thank yous.
Aileen
Banora Point
