Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is looking for people to support Canada’s Lifeline to help people like Crystal Nguyen, who is among thousands of Canadians who have needed blood for lifesaving care during the holidays.
"Blood donations between Dec. 23 and Jan. 5 are essential to collect platelets, which are a vital blood component many patients living with cancer or a blood disorder may need for treatment," CBS says in a news release.
Platelets have a short expiry date of only seven days, making it crucial for the bank to collect especially during the holidays as patient needs don't take a break.
A Vancouver resident, Nguyen was diagnosed with leukemia back in 2011. Nguyen required more than 100 blood transfusions and months of chemotherapy during her treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.
“My care didn’t stop during the holiday season. Blood donors made a big difference in my recovery. I’m grateful for every donor who helped me and asks every eligible donor to make that wonderful, lifesaving gift this holiday season,” explains Nguyen.
Many Canadians use the holidays for travel and festivities, but lifesaving health procedures will continue to take place.
“Many Canadians have shared Crystal’s experience and appreciate how a blood donation can be the lifeline for a patient injured in a motor vehicle crash, a mother requiring lifesaving care following childbirth, or someone depending on blood products for specialized cancer treatment,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations, in the release.
“Everything we do to help patients in Canada depends on donors. Donors are a vital link in Canada’s Lifeline. In 2020, Canada needs over 100,000 new blood donors to keep up with demand.”
For more information on how you can help, click here.
— Sarita Patel, Castanet
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