World Blood Donor’s Day

Today is World Blood Donor Day.

When we talk about children with cancer and blood disorders, we often talk about medicines. But there is something else without which treatment would be impossible: donated blood and its components.

Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells, but it also temporarily suppresses bone marrow function. As a result, blood counts drop, weakness develops, and the risk of serious bleeding and infections increases. On average, a child undergoing intensive treatment needs about six transfusions every month.

These may include red blood cell transfusions for severe anemia or platelet transfusions to prevent dangerous bleeding. Sometimes granulocytes are needed as well — specialized blood cells that help fight infections. For children with little or no immune protection, granulocyte transfusions can provide life-saving support during the most difficult stages of treatment.

Donated blood is irreplaceable. Despite all the advances of modern science, there is still no true substitute for it.

But blood is needed for far more than pediatric cancer care. Every day, it is required for patients recovering from surgery, people injured in accidents, mothers giving birth, individuals with blood disorders, and many others. Thousands upon thousands of people rely on blood transfusions every day.

Many people assume that blood donation is risky or comes with significant restrictions. In reality, most donors tolerate the process very well. It takes very little time, all equipment is single-use, and there are far fewer medical restrictions than most people think.

You do not need to wait for a special occasion to help. Blood can be donated in almost any city, at a time that is convenient for you.

We cannot ask you to donate blood for a specific child supported by our foundation. But we can ask you to become a donor wherever you live. Children who need blood transfusions live in every country, and they, too, need people willing to lend a helping hand. One day, your blood may help someone make it through treatment and reach recovery.

Thank you to everyone who has already become a donor. Because of you, thousands of people receive a chance at treatment, recovery, and life every single day.