In support of blood donations
David Young requires blood to help him through his burkitt leukemia treatments
Melanie Murphy knows the importance of blood donation all too well. Her six-year-old son David Young was diagnosed with burkitt leukemia in March.
Whether someone is going through cancer treatment or has just been in a car accident, blood donation is a crucial part of their recovery.
Melanie Murphy knows the importance of blood donation all too well. Her six-year-old son David Young was diagnosed with burkitt leukemia in March.
“While David was sick, people would ask what they could do for us, and blood donation always came to my mind,” Murphy said. “Everything else we could pick up at the store, but blood donations are something we depended on the generosity of others for, and it was vital to his treatments.”
Throughout David’s treatment, he received 16 blood transfusions and 10 platelet transfusions. With an AB blood type, he is a universal blood recipient.
“I would tell everyone, you’re David’s type. He can take blood from anyone,” said Murphy. While he has a rare blood type, he can be given O negative blood which is a universal type found in 15 per cent of the population. “It motivated people, because they knew they could actually help him. Having that face of someone that you know is an extra incentive to give.”
Murphy told The Telegram that David’s rugby team got involved by sponsoring a blood drive where a lot of new donors came to participate.
“They ended up thanking us for the opportunity to donate,” Murphy said. “They got a lot of satisfaction out of being able to help save a life.”
Although David is still back and forth to the Janeway hospital, battling an infection that he got during the course of his sickness, he is now finished with his chemotherapy treatments.
“He is still not as strong as he used to be, since he has been laid up for a long time. But he’s in good spirits. He’s been a happy little boy throughout the whole time,’’ she said
“I would encourage anyone who can give blood to do so. Today it’s our family, but who knows what the future can bring for anyone.”
The Telegram Saves Lives blood initiative runs from Oct. 13-21, and over the past seven years has helped to collect over 1,000 units of blood.
Contact Canadian Blood Services at 709-758-5300 for more information on how to donate.