Deon's Story

In 2014 I decided that I would like to donate blood as my Aunty works for NZBlood Service and I know that they are always in desparate need of new donors.
I also felt the need to donate blood because at 9 months of age one of my twin sons needed a Liver Transplant for which I was the live donor. He spent weeks in PICU at Starship Hospital and required several blood transfusions. This got me thinking about how grateful I was personally to those people who had donated blood and although did not not my son, or any other recipients, kindly and generously donated regardless, for all those who needed it.
I got such a great feeling of accomplishment after my first blood donation, knowing that in some way such a small gesture could be of such significance to someone.
So for round two I talked my brother in to coming along as well and donating for the first time. We spoke afterwards and he seemed to feel pretty similar to me after his first donation.
On the donation days in our area, my Grandmother also comes along and serves the drinks and biscuits for those who have donated blood so although she is unable to donate herself, still plays a part in making donors feel comfortable after they have given blood. It has turned in to a real family affair and I hope each time we now donate we can talk someone else into coming along as well. Such a small gesture can make such a huge difference in a persons life and i'm living proof of that as my son is a happy and normal 4 year old. I hope that people read these stories and decide to give blood donation a go!