SANBS praises media for its support
Guest speakers expressed their gratitude to donors who they say saved their lives.
SOUTH African National Blood Service (SANBS) hosted a media breakfast to that the media for its support over the past year.
Speaking at the breakfast, Phelelani Mkhize, zone donor manager for KZN, said SANBS was grateful for the support from the media which helped to get its message to the community in time of need, when blood was in short supply and to also help canvas new donors. “It’s been a challenging year and we have managed to ensure we delivered blood and blood products to hospitals which have been given to patients in need,” he said.
Guest speakers, Kirsten Beaumont and Andile Hlophe, told their stories of how blood donors essentially saved their lives.
Kirsten was attacked by a male rhino in a boma 12 years ago. Her injuries were extensive – her lungs were punctured, her legs shattered and her skull cracked. She received 31 units of blood after her horrendous injuries, and spent 54 days in ICU.
“If it wasn’t for the selfless act of blood donation, I wouldn’t be standing here today. After receiving 31 units of blood, I was left hoping to walk and talk again. I am now married, have two step-children and a managerie of pets, and although I can’t go back to my beloved rhino work, I am alive today because of people who donated blood,” she said.
Andile was knocked over by a vehicle in the centre of Pinetown four years ago and spent three weeks in a coma.
“I died on the way to the hospital and again when I arrived at St Augustine’s. I received five pints of blood, more in ICU and more after my operations. I was in hospital for four months and had to learn how to write with my right hand, as I had broken all the fingers on my left hand, as well how to walk again. Because of the selfless people who gave up their time to give blood, I am alive today. I don’t know how to say thank you, it goes beyond words, but I am now a blood and platelet donor because of what donors taught me,” he said.
