Cancer survivor: Thank you for saving my life
Myrna Bull (67) would be dead had she not received five units of lifesaving blood.
“If it wasn’t for the blood I would have died, as simple as that,” she said.
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January.
Myrna underwent six chemotherapy sessions, four operations and received five units of blood.
She was placed in remission in September.
The Brentwood Park resident and her husband, Keith (68), are testament that people’s selfless offerings change lives.
Myrna thanked her lifesavers.
“I just want to thank all blood donors,” she said.
”Although I do not know who they are, I appreciate that people go out of their way to donate blood.”
She urged everybody, who is able to donate, to do so.
“People give so little thought to donating blood,” she added.
“They don’t think of how valuable that unit of blood can be to save a life.”
Myrna has not been able to donate blood as she has very low iron levels.
Keith, who this year donated his 100th unit of blood, regrets not having saved hundreds of additional lives.
He started donating blood at the age of 25, then stopped altogether for about 30 years.
“I don’t know why on earth I stopped,” he said.
He is laments not having helped to save over 300 additional lives, as each unit can save three lives.
“I would encourage any person who is healthy to donate blood,” said Keith.
“Give up some hours of your day every eight weeks.
“That way we can save thousands of lives in South Africa every year.”
- Join the challenge
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on all blood donors from the East Rand to take part in the biggest blood drive of the year.
The challenge will run until November 31.
Follow your local newspapers for weekly updates and to see which SANBS donor centre has been visited by the most lifesaving donors.
The challenge includes five communities (Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Springs and Brakpan), five blood donor centres and five local Caxton newspapers.
Each week there will be an update in your local newspaper.
Benoni residents can donate blood at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead.
Here are the minimum requirements for donors:
- Weigh at least 50kg or more.
- Be between 16 and 65 years of age.
- Be in good health.
- Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
- Consider your blood safe to for transfusion to a patient.
