Mother praises selfless blood donors
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) held its Donor For Life Awards 2017 at the Benoni Country Club on Friday, to acknowledge donors.
Among the awardees were several people who have donated blood some 25 to 325 times.
Bapsfontein resident William Watkins received recognition for bleeding 200.
“I started donating because my father-in-law, Pieter van Schoor, used to donate,” said Watkins.
“I have been donating blood for 18 years and advise others to donate because not only are they helping those in need, but they will also feel physically and emotionally better.”
The evening commenced with master of ceremonies Wayne Keefer cracking a few jokes and congratulating all awardees on their achievements.
The SANBS manager Isaac Mafisa then took the stage to explain how blood is processed.
“Blood is separated into three products, namely red cells, platelets and plasma,” Mafisa explained.
Terrence Pillay from the SANBS then showed a presentation explaining what blood is mostly used for (maternity and planned operations being two).
Collections manager Gillian Laurens thanked staff and donors for helping the country.
Guest speaker, Eileen van Tonder, shared a story about her son, Jordan van Tonder who suffers from thyroid cancer.
“We, as parents, salute you and thank you,” she said.
“In this fight against cancer, we cannot give up.
“You continue to give me another chance to say, ‘I love you to my son’ and to celebrate another birthday with him.”
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