‘Register and donate’ – appeals Hillcrest dad amid dire platelet shortage
"We have a massive shortage across the country," confirmed SANBS' specialised collections manager, Margie Hamilton.
WITH the alarming shortage of platelets across South Africa, a Hillcrest father has made an appeal to the community to register and donate.
John Harris has called on the community after his son, Ehren, who has Hodgkins Lymphoma, had to receive a life-saving platelet donation.
ALSO READ: Westville resident makes 400th donation
The 18-year-old’s platelet as well as his white blood cell counts had dropped dangerously low last week prompting his doctor to place him on the platelet panel.
Fortunately, on Monday night he received, what the duo have adequately dubbed, “liquid gold”, which will give him the ability to continue his fight against cancer.
“We have a massive shortage across the country,” confirmed SANBS’ specialised collections manager, Margie Hamilton.
Currently, there are 650 individuals who are in need of a platelet donation.
“We just cannot meet the demand. In KwaZulu-Natal there is an average demand of 25 bags a day, some days the demand is even higher,” she said.
Some cancer patients, she said, could need up to three bags of platelets per transfusion, added Hamilton.
In Durban, the situation is extremely dire, as there is only one donation centre – at Westwood Mall.
“We use to have a home in Pinetown as well, but now we only have a donation centre in Westville, and obviously we have seen a huge drop in donors,” she said.
While there are a number of committed donors who donate regularly, Hamilton has appealed to those who have never donated before to heed the call.
“If anyone can, and is able we ask that they go and have themselves tested and to register. Donating is a bit of a long procedure, but you’ll be giving someone the gift of life,” he said.
Should anyone have any questions or queries about donating they can contact 071 239 6316.
Check out the Highway Mail for an interview with Ehren on his fight against cancer.
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