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Local blood donors honoured for making a difference in the lives of others

Apr 17, 2017 | 9:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The annual “Honouring Our Lifeblood” ceremony recognized 170 Lethbridge donors, volunteers and partners that have reached major milestones with Canadian Blood Services.

Lethbridge is joined by 30 other communities — from April 17 to June 15 — celebrating generous blood, platelet and plasma donations that help patients across the country. 

Award were handed out Monday (Apr. 17) night to donors who reached the 50, 75, 100 or 150 donation mark over the last year. The honourees in attendance accounted for more than 2100 total donations.

“The need is always there. For myself personally, we’ve had some family tragedies where there’s been an awful lot of blood consumed… It’s in us to give, and it’s good for you,” Marco Slingerland said, who was recognized for 75 donations at this year’s event.

He explained in an interview with Lethbridge News Now that his father is now well over 200 donations, and is someone he looked up to when he started giving blood at the age of 17. 

When asked what new donors should know, Slingerland simply said it’s a matter of overcoming your fear, adding with a grin, “It looks like a big needle, but it’s not that bad.”

Coaldale resident Karli Doll was also the guest speaker of the night. She shared the story of her son Mason, who overcame a cancer diagnosis because of the generosity of Canadian blood donors.

At just over six months old, Mason was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, meaning he needed a stem cell transplant as soon as possible. Chemotherapy drove the cancer into remission, but because of the toll the treatment inflicted on his body, Mason required at least 15 blood transfusions while he waited for a stem cell match.

Doll acknowledged that some of the people at the local event could have helped Mason when he needed it most, and had one simple message for the donors she’s come in contact with.

“Thank you for my baby. Thank you for his first walk, for his first day of daycare, his first Christmas, his first birthday,” she smiled. “It’s very possible that without blood donation and stem cell donation, he wouldn’t be here today. So really, thank you for him.”

Canadian Blood Services is always in need of new donors. To join the registry and save a life, visit www.blood.ca, or call 1-888-236-6283.