One donation – three lives saved

Octavia Tsibes
Alicia !Naibas and Courtney Marais

We live in a society where superheroes and good deeds are likened, you cannot do something extraordinary without being extraordinary. The truth is; most heroes do not wear capes – you do not need to be Superman to save a life. Sometimes all you need is blood. That sounded so morbid, but I’m talking about donating blood.

Blood donation is when someone has blood drawn and used for transfusions and/or made into biopharmaceutical medications by a process called fractionation. Donation may be of whole blood, or of specific components directly. By donating blood you minimise your risk of heart diseases and suffering from heart attacks, and regular donations lower the iron stores in your body. So the needle doesn’t have to be so scary.

One pint of blood can help as much as 3 people’s lives, it enlightens a feeling of pride in oneself. To know that each of us is capable of helping 3 people. Despite medical and technological advances, blood cannot be manufactured, so donations are the only way to give blood to those who need it.

Blood is needed every two seconds. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole red blood cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donations. Blood donation is important because maintain an adequate blood supply in our community secures blood transfusions for patients.

Jan, a matriculant at S.S. De duine, says that he is a proud blood donor because he enjoys being part of the percentile that helps save lives. Another matriculant, Lindley, divulges that he was very worrisome about drawing blood from his body. However, he has become a frequent donor since his first donation.

Everyone is capable of becoming a hero, for they come is all different shapes and sizes. Donate Day. Save a life.