Donated blood giving young cancer patients a brighter future
Donated blood has been lifesaving for 2-year-old Audrey.
‘It would have been literally impossible for us to safely treat Audrey without the generosity of donors,’ said paediatric oncologist Dr Jordan Staunton.
Shortly after Audrey’s first birthday, tumours were discovered in her brain and spine. She spent the next 9 months in hospital undergoing treatment. During an initial 12-hour-long surgery, her full blood volume was replaced.
‘If there weren’t live blood donors out there, she would not have survived that surgery,’ shared Audrey’s mum, Maddie Scott.
‘We are surrounded by children who wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for people going out and rolling up their sleeves and donating,’ she told Sunrise during National Blood Donor Week.
Blood products are prescribed daily at the Children’s Cancer Centre. Our patients require blood products during operations, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants.
‘We prescribe blood when children have low red blood cells to give them energy and allow them to play, run and be part of normal family activities. We prescribe platelets when they are low to help stop bruises and small bleeds and make it safe to have operations, climb and tumble,’ said Dr Staunton.
The team at Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre thanks everyone who has generously given blood; we could not treat and cure childhood cancer without you.
Donate blood and give life
Every minute, 3 blood donations are needed around Australia. You could make a difference today by donating blood, plasma or platelets.
‘Whether you’re a first time donor or a regular donor, every donation helps ensure hospitals have the blood products children and other patients need, and help make brighter days possible for them,’ said Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience, Cath Stone.
To learn more about blood donation and book an appointment, visit the Lifeblood website.
