[Nut]

Chloe had been in and out of hospital from a very young age with an immune deficiency that prevents her from being able to fight infection on her own. She and her mother Therese (EB forum admin) often spent two weeks per month in hospital causing a great strain on the family. Now with the amazing gift of blood donation, Cloe and her family have a new life to love and enjoy!

Read the whole story here: http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style...0731-23c3h.html

[EBeditor]

Thanks for sharing your story Therese. It's amazing the difference in quality of life that Chloe enjoys now thanks to blood donations. And in turn we are thankful to YOU for everything you give the EB/EK community.

[~A2~]

Such an amazing family, very proud to know you all.

Therese, thankyou for all you do for the EB/EK community and for sharing Chloe's (and the rest of the families) story.

Love and thoughts always

Ali and family

[panntha]

Totally agree with this and understand your story - My youngest son also has an immune deficiency and has been receiving IVIG for about 18mths now and it has made a huge difference, he has been able to once again enjoy being a little boy and get to do things that his big brother does.
I would highly encourage all people if you are eligible to donate then please please do, you never know who needs this vital gift, how it changes their lives and one day you or one of your loved ones might need it to!

[jayskette]

It's great to see so many stories in the media lately urging people to donate blood. I would also like to add Australia's blood donation rules are TOO strict. I used to be a regular donor until I developed mild hypertension, and now I'm automatically not allowed to donate. FYI blood donation actually decreases blood pressure. Blood pressure only applies when blood is in a body, not in a donation bag! I have plenty of colleagues at work that are dismayed because they once went to UK for a holiday in the 90s and automatically barred. The Red Cross seriously need to review their criteria to attract more donations, considering that even the UK are now accepting donations from previously mad cow "suspects"

[ResultsNotTypica...]

I am a recent new donor.

So far, I have done 2 whole blood (to make sure i didn't have adverse reactions) and now 2 plasma donations as well.

I am a big wuss about needles, but I just specifically avert my eyes. Even for the whole plasma bit, which is 30 - 40 minutes. My kindle is my saviour.

It feels so, so, so good to be doing it, I can't ceven really explain it. If you're eligible, DO IT! You'd expect to be given as much blood as you need in an emergency situation, or for an ongoing medical requirement, wouldn't you?

Fair's fair people.

[Steggles]

Gorgeous kids Therese! Im so glad Chloe is doing well! Once I'm finished breastfeeding I will donate again!

[~Mintie~]

You have such a beautiful family Therese, and are such an amazing, strong woman. It's great to hear of the difference donors have made to Chloe's life and I hope it inspires people to get up and go donate. I know I will be as soon as I stop breastfeeding. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading such an important message.

[raven74]

It is stories like this that make me so damn angry at myself for not being able to donate
May Chloe continue to thrive, thanks to the generosity of others

[Therese]

Thanks everyone As I said in the story we are forever thankful for the gift people give Chloe.