The 26-year-old said even though his life was a ‘rollercoaster’, he was lucky to be alive. “I was born normal, then about a month after my birth I started getting sick from kidney failure,” explained Degam.
He said he had a kidney transplant when he was 22 months old and has continued to have more surgeries throughout his life.
When he was admitted to hospital last year in January, he had to wait for two days to receive blood because there was no blood in stock. This is what inspired Degam to want to raise awareness about blood donation in his community.
“Since the donation of blood saved my life, I decided to get a hold of the South African Blood Service and organise a blood drive in Marlboro,” said Degam.
He explained that he had to have a blood transfusion because his bone marrow could not produce any red and white cells or platelets. As a result he did not have much oxygen running through his body. “I have realised what a blood transfusion means to a person. It is such a heart-wrenching situation to be in,” said Degam.
He is also aware that the holiday season is the worst time for the country’s blood stocks, but he wants to do everything in his power to ensure that there are sufficient blood stocks in our hospitals to meet the needs of all patients in South Africa.
The blood drive in Marlboro will take place at the Marlboro Sports Complex on 25 January.
Details: Yusuf Degam; 0832339786 or ydegam@gmail.com
