TATURA mother-of-two, Alice Milner, has given the ‘gift of life’ to more than 50 people thanks to her plasma donations over the past 12 years.
The strategy and services co-ordinator is one of 45 Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Lifeblood team members who have made 125 blood and plasma donations at the Shepparton Donor Centre last year, helping to save the lives of 426 people.
“Unfortunately, I have had a large number of people in my life who have been impacted by cancer, and plasma is one of many things that is used to assist cancer patients,” Alice said.
“The reality is, if I can help anyone who is going through one of the worst or toughest times of their life, be an accident or illness, then a small amount of my time is a gift I am willing to give.”
Alice has been donating plasma about twice a year since late 2010, shortly after moving to Tatura to join GMW.
Hailing from Sydney, where she regularly gave blood, Alice turned to donating plasma after the move to Victoria saw her body unable to cope with giving blood during the warmer months.
“I was adamant I wanted to continue to donate, so I spoke with the donation centre and found a way that my body was very comfortable with – and that was plasma,” she said.
While giving blood and plasma isn’t for everyone, Alice encouraged those who could to seriously consider it, as one donation could help to save three lives.
“The teams at the donation centres and over the phone are amazing and support you through each donation journey.”
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Shae Burns said almost 10,000 blood and plasma donations were made at the Shepparton Donor Centre last year.
To become a blood donor, go to https://www.lifeblood.com.au/ or phone 13 14 95
