For someone with a rare blood type, such as Nancy Dillabough – blood donations can be a tricky topic.
The Type O blood that runs through Dillabough’s body can sometimes be hard to come by, due to the fact that few people possess the recessive trait.
Thankfully, blood donors across the country made sure that Dillabough had the blood she needed when the time came through their continued blood donations to Canadian Blood Services.
“One morning last summer I woke up with a terrible stomachache and later that day I had to have emergency surgery because I had a perforated ulcer,” said Dillabough, at a recent event to mark World Blood Donor Day at the Canadian Blood Services office, where she handed out her favourite flower, Carnations and cake to donors who came in.
“When I woke up from surgery my blood pressure dropped dramatically and I had to receive two units of blood which brought my blood pressure back up.”
The surgery left her alive and she recovered from the ulcer, but was left with a scar across her stomach from the operation.
The event at Red Deer’s blood clinic aimed to do just what Dillabough does every day – to thank the people who give blood and encourage new donors to do the same.
Dillabough gives credit to the anonymous blood donors across the nation for her survival and believes she owes her life to them.
“Thanks to the kindness and generosity of those people who donate blood, it saved my life. So I am very thankful to everyone who donates blood,” said Dillabough.
Since receiving the two units of blood, Dillabough helps wherever she can and by volunteering every Monday for roughly six hours.
“Since I’ve received those blood transfusions I now volunteer with Canadian Blood Services as a way of giving back to the community.
“I’ve been volunteering for a year and half now and it’s very friendly with such kind and welcoming staff,” said Dillabough on her volunteering experience.
“It just makes you feel good to know so many people are here to help the community.”
According to Canadian Blood Services online statistics, “Over 2,000 units of blood are needed every day in hospitals across Canada. One unit of blood is equal to 450 ml and the average number of units required per patient is 4.6 units. A single blood donation can help to save up to three lives.”
Appointments are now available to book online, making donating blood easier than ever at www.donatenow.blood.ca/.
jswan@reddeerexpress.com
