Why David donates

My name is David Bouman. My father is Willem Bouman and he was a blood donor for many years. When I asked him why he donated he told me it was his way of helping to save lives, of doing his bit as it were. Since needles have never worried me I decided to give it a go. I was surprised to learn that I share the same rare O negative blood type as my Dad which just happens to be one of the most sought after types. One of the nurses informed me that they need lots of my blood type as it is able to be donated to anyone including and especially newborn babies. This struck a cord with me as my wife and I lost a son at the age of 9 months and in the short time he was with us we relied heavily on the pediatric unit of Dunedin public hospital. If my donations can in any way help save another innocent young life then I am happy to be a donor for as long as I am able.