What’s Happening
In the follow-up to the National Blood Week event at Capalaba Bunnings last week, where Addison’s Mum, Bianca, made her first blood donation, some great news has been announced: thanks to the community’s continuous support and efforts, Little Addison has found a bone marrow match from the United Kingdom.
Addison Kemp, a five-year-old with Aplastic Anaemia, still has a critical need for blood donations on her journey, however. Addison’s unusual bone marrow disorder causes her body to create insufficient blood cells, leaving her susceptible to infections and uncontrolled bleeding, which requires a lot of blood replacement.
Despite the positive step for Addison and National Blood Donor Week finishing earlier this week, an urgent call remains for local Brisbane and Redlands blood donors.
Why It Matters
Addison, and so many people like her in different situations across the country, will still require many blood products as she continues her treatment post-bone marrow transplant, so it’s critical that despite National Blood Week being over, you still donate throughout the year.
By the Numbers
- Almost 9 million of the currently living Aussies will need blood in their lifetime but Only 500,000 blood donors help across Australia (but more are urgently needed)
- Addison needs multiple weekly blood transfusions as she continues her treatment
- Every 18 seconds, blood is needed somewhere in Australia from cancer patients to road trauma victims, people with blood disorders, surgical patients, and new mums
What The People Say
“Thousands of Queenslanders are needed every week to roll up their sleeves and give blood and plasma,” says Wes Thomas from the Red Cross
Bianca said, “34% of the blood that is donated goes to oncology patients and with children in particular like Addison, they can sometimes need up to three times more for the required treatment.”
Time to roll up your sleeves – Victoria Point Mobile Donor Centre coming in two weeks
Roll up the sleeves a few times a year if you can.
Visit the upcoming mobile unit just in front of Zarraffas within the Victoria Point Shopping Centre carpark and book a place.
We need the word out in Redlands to fill the appointments to help meet hospital demand:
- Monday 1 July – 44 appointments are currently available
- Tuesday 2 July – 47 appointments are currently available
Visit Lifeblood or call 13 14 95 to book an appointment.
To donate to Addison’s family check out their GoFundMe page.
