GIVING BACK
P.E.I. woman promotes blood/plasma drive as show of gratitude
Pam Smith is promoting a blood/plasma drive after receiving life-saving plasma transfusions in the past.
Many people have helped save Pam Smith’s life.
She wants to thank them all.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a lot of people,’’ says Smith, 73, of Johnstons River.
“Thanks for saving me — for saving my life three times.’’
Ten years ago, Smith was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP is diagnosed at
a rate of three to four in one million people per year, and complications can be fatal.
Following her diagnosis in 2007, Smith had the plasma in
her body replaced with a whopping 150 bags of the proteinrich liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate throughout the body, supporting the immune system and helping control excessive bleeding.
Smith had two relapses in
2011.
Each time, she was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Halifax to receive a life-saving plasma transfusion.
In total, Smith has received close to 500 bags of plasma, coming from many, many total strangers.
She never loses sight of the valuable gift.
“It’s just totally amazing,’’ she says.
So Smith decided to host the blood drive today at the Charlottetown Blood Donor Centre at 85 Fitzroy St. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
She is doing this to raise awareness of the importance of blood donations, and to personally thank donors for their lifesaving gift.
“Without you, I would not be here,’’ says Smith.
“I am sure you know that your blood saves lives, but I am sure you have no idea how much it takes to save each person with a blood disease.’’