World Blood Donor Day: Thanking those who save lives

By Ayesha Mehmood

June 14, 2010

"Every second, someone in the world needs blood.

And every step of the way, you have been there to fulfill that need.

Your generosity has been the hope and courage for thousands of those patients who suffer from Thalassemia. Thanks to your support, those with Thalassemia now continue to lead complete and full lives. All barriers have been brought down, and continue to be brought down, and many Thalassemic patients go on to do extraordinary things!

It is no doubt that blood is the vital need of all human beings. And this is most true for thalassemic patients.

Thank you for saving the lives of countless people. Thank you for being their hope. Thank you for being an abundant fountain of courage and support."

The above was a thank you card, sent to our regular blood donors to mark World Blood Donor Day. A little background:

World Blood Donor Day builds on the success of World Health Day 2000 which was devoted to the theme "Blood Saves Lives. Safe Blood Starts With Me". The enthusiasm and energy with which this day was celebrated indicated that there would be a positive response to an opportunity to give thanks to the millions of people who give the precious gift of life. It also builds on International Blood Donor Day organised annually by the International Federation of Blood Donor Organisations since 1995. – Courtesy: www.wbdd.org

Since 2005, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day all over the world to thank millions of blood donors who have taken out time and donated blood for the needy. Being a Thalassemia patient, I know how important blood is for us. Getting blood after every 15 days is only possible because of the massive blood donors.

Blood is needed by many people around the world every second. This can be a mother giving birth, an accident victim, a boy with dengue fever or a father facing open heart surgery. And saving their lives wouldn't be possible without blood donors.  This saying certainly stands true: "You don't have to be batman to save lives!"

On behalf of the Thalessemia community, I would like to thank the people who have saved lives and plan to save them in the future. It is because of you we thalassemics have a healthy life!

Your blood saved my life, thank you!

Ayesha Mehmood is the official spokesperson of FAiTh (Fight Against Thalassemia). She actively blogs athttp://www.ayesha.thalassemia.com.pk/ and tweets @blessedAyesha