Thanks to somebody else’s selfless act of donating blood, Ruwalda Swarts was able to receive the life saving blood transfusion she needed – just one example of how selfless this act of giving is.
In celebration of National Blood Donor Month, Weslander spoke to several people on the issue, and the Vredenburg resident told her tale of having to undergo a blood transfusion after the miscarriage of her first child. She said the procedure saved her life.
Complications following her ordeal made Swarts lose so much blood over a period of three months. In and out of hospital, doctors recommended that Swarts go to Somerset Hospital, Cape Town to undergo a blood transfusion.
“I have always wanted to donate blood, but my iron has always been too low,” she said. “The fact that other people could donate blood and help me meant the world to me.”
So Swarts’ deep gratitude to her blood donor also comes with a twinge of guilt over not being able to reciprocate.
Being a loyal blood donor since the age of 21 and having the blood type O positive, which is seen as the most needed blood type, Marlon Fredericks from Saldanha had the opportunity to save the life of a young man in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
With the Western Cape Blood Donation Services (WCBDS) having his contact details, Fredericks received the call about a 17-year-old boy in KZN who was in need of blood stem cells. He was told he was the perfect match. After the procedure was explained to him he made the decision to donate his blood-stem cells.
“It was quite an experience,” Fredericks related. “Arriving at the location they treat one like royalty. Although the process was a little painful it was all worth it knowing the donation was a success. I would gladly do it again.”
He said he always encourages those around him to donate. “There is a major blood shortage in our country. If in your means to donate, do it.”
Over the years Fredericks has roughly donated 55 units of blood.
Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager of the WCBDS, said blood cannot be manufactured in a factory and the service relies on voluntary blood donors to donate blood and save lives.
“We have to collect 700 units of blood every day. That is why we always appeal to anyone who is able to donate blood.”
. Requirements to donate blood:
Donors must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
It is also recommended that donors should eat something within three to four hours before donation and increase their fluid intake before and after donation.
. To find the nearest clinic, readers can visit the website ww.wcbs.org.za or send a Whatsapp to 060 549 7244.
