Pakistan

World Blood Donor Day: Thanking those who save lives

Since 2005, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day all over the world to thank millions of blood donors.

Ayesha Mehmood June 14, 2010

“Every second, someone in the world needs blood.

And every step of the way, you have been there to fulfill that need.

Your generosity has been the hope and courage for thousands of those patients who suffer from Thalassemia. Thanks to your support, those with Thalassemia now continue to lead complete and full lives. All barriers have been brought down, and continue to be brought down, and many Thalassemic patients go on to do extraordinary things!

It is no doubt that blood is the vital need of all human beings. And this is most true for thalassemic patients.

Thank you for saving the lives of countless people. Thank you for being their hope. Thank you for being an abundant fountain of courage and support.”

The above was a thank you card, sent to our regular blood donors to mark World Blood Donor Day. A little background:

World Blood Donor Day builds on the success of World Health Day 2000 which was devoted to the theme “Blood Saves Lives. Safe Blood Starts With Me”. The enthusiasm and energy with which this day was celebrated indicated that there would be a positive response to an opportunity to give thanks to the millions of people who give the precious gift of life. It also builds on International Blood Donor Day organised annually by the International Federation of Blood Donor Organisations since 1995. – Courtesy: www.wbdd.org

Since 2005, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day all over the world to thank millions of blood donors who have taken out time and donated blood for the needy. Being a Thalassemia patient, I know how important blood is for us. Getting blood after every 15 days is only possible because of the massive blood donors.

Blood is needed by many people around the world every second. This can be a mother giving birth, an accident victim, a boy with dengue fever or a father facing open heart surgery. And saving their lives wouldn’t be possible without blood donors. This saying certainly stands true: “You don’t have to be batman to save lives!”

On behalf of the Thalessemia community, I would like to thank the people who have saved lives and plan to save them in the future. It is because of you we thalassemics have a healthy life!

Your blood saved my life, thank you!

Ayesha Mehmood is the official spokesperson of FAiTh (Fight Against Thalassemia). She actively blogs at http://www.ayesha.thalassemia.com.pk/ and tweets @blessedAyesha

COMMENTS (9)

Qadeer Ahmad Janjua | 14 years ago | Reply I know Ayesha since almost last 4 years and I have seen her patience, her struggle and her passion to move forward rather than looking behind. Some times she becomes a real inspiration :) We need such shining stars, like Ayesha, who can light our sky with their courage and show us the hope. Well done Ayesha, you never stop to amaze me with your brilliant efforts :) My sincere prayers are with you. May Allah give you a healthy wealthy long life and help you.

Rushna | 14 years ago | Reply I am very proud of you Ayesha! You have come a long way. May Allah reward you for your efforts! And, may your voice continue being heard by more and more people inshaAllah!

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sarah | 14 years ago | Reply hii great work ..brilliant effort ..you always make my day when im sad n think that imnot contributing towards THAL ..but whe i look at your work my love i feel content that there are people in this world like you n rest who make a difference in other people life:D keep it up

Tabish Bhimani | 14 years ago | Reply Congratulations, Ayesha. That was a heart-warming message to write on a card. The movement is gaining significant momentum, and I'm glad you're at the forefront!

Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Hello Ayehsa, Assalamualikum, I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank you for the all the effort you put in for this cause. Your work truely helps others and inspires other. May Allah reward you and keep you healthy wealthy and wise :) JazakAllah Ali

SadafFayyaz | 14 years ago | Reply I have had a wonderful opp to interview this couragous lady...Keep ur efforts up///

SadafFayyaz | 14 years ago | Reply good ayesha

Abdul Hameed Kath | 14 years ago | Reply It has been a pleasure to be one of the members of this blood donating community and at the same time I would like to request every single person to please come forward and be a part of this movement. I can assure you that by donating blood, you loose nothing but gain lot of benefits and you keep yourself healthy and completely screened. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of being a donor is that it will make you feel good about yourself. With no money and very little effort on your part, you make a tremendous contribution to the lives of others. It's a good way to support your community and help ensure that if you or a loved one ever need a transfusion, it will be available. Your donation could potentially save the lives of several people. Another advantage of donating blood is that you will get a free health screening. Your temperature, blood pressure and hemoglobin will be checked each time. Your blood will be tested infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria, syphilis and HIV that could be passed on to others. You will be notified if any abnormalities are found. Donating blood is good for your cardiovascular health. According to University of Kansas Hospital, blood donors have a reduced risk of heart disease. Give Blood, Give Life.

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply Hope, Generosity, Courage never end. We all have to fight against Thalassemia and we must have to do whatever we can.

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