Bronte Alexander recently completed her 13th blood donation.
For the young nurse, the connection to blood donation runs deep.
At the age of four, the Shepparton nurse received platelets as a part of cancer treatment, an experience that would remain with her into adulthood.
Now working in dialysis at GV Health, she credits her positive memories of nurses during her childhood treatment as her inspiration for pursuing her career.
Being on the receiving end of blood products and seeing the effects of the treatments in her day-to-day work also solidified the importance of blood donation to Bronte, a mission in which she is more than happy to lead by example.
“I was inspired to be a nurse because of the wonderful care I received,” she said.
“When I think about my childhood, having cancer, I have positive memories of the nurses.
“I thought, ‘What if I could be that positive interaction for somebody in the hospital?’”
Bronte’s story highlights the transformative impact blood products can have on people’s lives and the importance of the work carried out by nurses and healthcare professionals.
“(Donating blood) is a small, easy way that you can help many people,” Bronte said.
Lifeblood requires 33,000 blood and plasma donations weekly to fulfil patient needs.
Cancer patients, people in surgery, people with blood conditions and women in childbirth are among the primary users of donated blood.
One in three Australians will need blood products in their lifetime.
The Lifeblood slogan ‘It takes all of us’ couldn’t be more accurate — every drop donated improves or saves somebody’s life.
Bronte encouraged everyone to consider donating, even those who believe they couldn’t.
“For a long time, I thought I couldn’t donate because I had had cancer. There’s a lot of myths around who can and can’t donate,” she said.
“Book the appointment. It’s easy, stress-free and everyone here is lovely.”
Bronte’s donation will add another score to the GV Health tally in Lifeblood’s Health Services Blood Drive.
The blood drives provide health professionals with an opportunity to save lives on and off the job while competing against other organisations across the country to see who can make the most donations.
To follow Bronte’s lead and donate blood, call 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au to book an appointment.
The Shepparton Donor Centre is open Monday to Friday and every second Saturday.