I was diagnosed at 3 months of age as Beta Thalassemia Major and have received blood transfusions every few weeks ever since. My parents grew up in Asia and Africa, and I remember then sharing stories of how in their homeland receiving a blood transfusion required finding your own private donors and often required payment. I remember hearing and just being filled with immense gratitude to live in Canada, in a land of generous people and the security of public health care.
I can not truly express the gratitude I feel for all those who generously donate blood, or who are involved in the process in some way. It is due to the kindness of millions of strangers that I literally live and breathe. It is all because of the generosity of all these people that I am able to go on, and make my own impact on the world. In the spirit of pay it forward, I am a special education teacher who works primarily with our youth in care. I am an active member of my cultural community that support the greater community with projects in education, newcomers to Canada and the environment. When donors take the time to donate, their impact is far and wide, and for that every Canadian can be thankful.
