As Indiana Hardwick writes, Lifeblood still needs donations with the cold and flu season (well and truly) underway.
Following an urgent call in May this year, The many blood types including A positive, A negative, B negative and O positive remain in need of donations. While 1 in 3 people will need donated blood in their lifetime, just 3% of Australians regularly donate blood.
Created by University of Newcastle alumni Jaraad Kader (JK) and Madeline Bunder, the Hunter-based campaign How Bloody Good aims to raise awareness and encourage eligible students to donate blood.
UON alumnus Jaraad Kader
Since his diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Burkitt’s Lymphoma, 33-year-old Medical Radiation Science alumnus JK has seen first-hand what a difference blood donation means to recipients.
“Blood is the most important gift [you] could give someone with blood cancer,” he said.
“Learning there was a blood shortage, I felt I had a responsibility to educate people, especially our age and encourage people to donate. I’m a 33-year-old average guy, married with two kids. I live a healthy, active life. I regularly exercise and eat well.
“I was training for the Newcastle Marathon with the cancerous lump on my neck, adamant I couldn’t possibly have cancer I ran 23kms.”
“If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. And I would hate others to be in my position potentially needing blood from others, having only donated once before myself,” said JK.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood wants blood donation to become a habit for more people, with the potential to reach a further 10 million donors across the country.
“There are How Bloody Good team members that started donating back when they were in Uni and have continued since – this is amazing,” said JK.
“The average blood donation is around 10min however the sense of satisfaction is much greater. On top of that, the chance to sit back, relax and have some snacks is an added bonus.”
The How Bloody Good campaign has already saved over 200 lives and organisers say they’ll strive to save more.
“Giving blood is easy, but together we can make a huge Bloody difference!” said JK.
UON’s been an avid supporter of Lifeblood over previous months, with residences holding competitions and carpools of staff heading to donor centres.
To join the How Bloody Good Lifeblood team, follow @howbloodygood on Instagram, share and tag your donation and encourage others to get involved.
Find your closest donor centre.