By Aaron Cordy
LIFEBLOOD can literally be the difference between someone living or dying, yet Australia still imports a significant amount of blood plasma products.
Shepparton mother and long-time donor Lauren Knowles has seen first-hand how vital blood donations are when Lifeblood saved her young daughter’s life. That is why she is urging more locals to make a lifesaving donation today.
Lauren’s daughter, Greta, received a handful of blood and platelet transfusions during two-years of leukaemia treatment when she was four years old. Lauren was not new to donating blood, but Greta’s diagnoses drove home how vital they are.
“I used to donate years and years ago when I lived in Adelaide, but stopped because we moved and it was too hard. And then our daughter, Greta, was diagnosed with leukemia back in 2021. Being an inpatient in the Children’s Hospital at the oncology Ward made us realise just how needed blood is,” said Lauren.
“After a whole blood transfusion, Greta would have so much colour and energy. It made a huge difference. And the platelet transfusions would help her blood clot properly during her chemotherapy.”
Greta, who remembers little of the treatment, has a simple message.
“You’re a hero. You’re saving lives,” said Greta
Lifeblood’s Shepparton donor centre is calling for 150 people to book an appointment to help boost blood stocks vital for patients. To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.
