You can help save lives

For some, donating blood may seem like an unnecessary chore. But, it’s easy to forget that one small task can save a life.

Two years ago, 16-year-old Summer Williams was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer called pineoblastoma. Although she’s now under palliative care at home, and therefore no longer receiving transfusions, her Dad Justin Williams recalls just how big of a difference they once made.

“It just boosts their levels – it gives them energy and colour back in their face,” he told the Weekender

Unfortunately for many people in need of blood, getting it isn’t as easy as you may think. Over the past few years, urgent calls for blood donors have become a regular occurrence, with poor weather and illnesses leading to a plummet in supplies.

For kids like Summer, this has been devastating.

“Last year, when Summer was having blood transfusions and receiving plasma and platelets, there was a shortage, so it was making the hospitals have to prioritise the recipients,” he said.

“Summer’s cancer that she has is one of the rarest around, but they were waiting until their counts were almost dangerously low before they could give them blood.

“Kids that are going through that treatment are going through the worst times of their lives, they shouldn’t have to wait for things like blood.”

As cold and flu season begins, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging 8,500 people with O and A blood groups to donate in hopes of avoiding a potential blood donor shortage.

Advocates for blood donation, Justin and Summer paid a very special visit to Penrith Blood Donor Centre last Thursday to meet with some of the other regular donors who helped to keep Summer alive.

“I go every fortnight with my best mate. We’ve been doing that since Summer was sick, because we understand the importance of it, and we’ve got a couple of other people that we know that go along and donate blood,” he said.

“Going to the donor centre was good, not only for Summer, but for the donors to see where their blood is going, because they don’t usually get to see that side of it.”

It’s through this that Justin is hoping to remind the community just what impact one blood donation can have, encouraging everyone to make an appointment soon if they are able.

“At some stage in your life, someone you know, whether it be through cancer or a car accident or anything, is going to need some sort of blood product, and nobody should have to wait for that,” he said.

“Just try and make time. If we can get the stocks up, you’re saving people’s lives.”

If you’re keen to donate blood but you’re unsure if you can, there’s a simple way to confirm if you’re a good candidate.

“If people have reservations about donating, you can do an online test that tells you if you’re eligible to donate,” Justin said.

“It’s a good feeling, knowing that you’re out there helping someone. As they always say, not all heroes wear capes, and this shows that.”

Make an appointment to donate this winter at the Penrith centre by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au or the Donate Blood app.

Check out this shot of High Street in Penrith in 1984.

There’s plenty of great retail flashbacks here –including Down Town Lighting, Buckley’s Furniture and Ellingford Real Estate.

There’s also some memorable food outlets pictured, including Hong Kiu takeaway and the Eastern Inn restaurant.

The photo is taken at the lower (western) end of High Street, taking in shops around 550 High Street.

The general façade of the strip of shops remains in place today.

None of the shops pictured here remains there today, almost 40 years later.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

23 June 2023

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