La Lucia platelet donor shares donation journey
The South African National Blood Service in Durban North is looking to expand its platelet donor database.
ABOUT 28 years ago, Annelie van Reenen decided to take a bold step towards becoming a blood donor.
She was a teenager at the time but decided that contributing towards saving lives was going to be the good deed she will always strive to do.
A few years ago, Van Reenen decided to also start donating platelets. She shared her journey with Northglen News and encourages others to also donate if their health allows it.
“I started donating platelets a couple of years ago when a friend’s daughter needed a platelet transfusion. Her life was at risk after her platelet count dropped to zero. It was touch and go as platelets were scarce,” she said.
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Platelets can be donated every two weeks, however Van Reenen donates once a month so that she gives her body time to recover, as she also donates blood every six weeks.
“I have made about 30 donations so far. I could go once every two weeks, but I give my body double time to recover. I don’t mind donating as I know for a fact it saves lives. I can’t say it’s comfortable, but the staff in the Kensington Square in Durban North are fantastic. They go out of their way to make you as comfortable as possible,” she said.
She said everyone should consider donating if it’s medically possible.
“It’s a few moments of discomfort that can change the path someone else is on from certain death or pain to a fighting chance to live.
“Donating platelets and plasma is a tad easier on your body than donating whole blood, so if you have an hour every so often, give it a go,” she added.
Donor relations practitioner, Dennis Ngongoma, encourages blood donors to contact the nearest clinic where the service is offered to see if they are suitable to donate.
“Patients with cancer, those undergoing surgery where there has been massive blood loss, and patients with various medical problems need platelets, therefore we encourage old and new donors to donate,” he added.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75 years, who weighs 55kg, provided that they meet all the other criteria for donating blood, can donate platelets.
To make an appointment, call 031 719 6719.
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