TRURO, N.S. — As the mother of a child with a rare blood disorder, Kristen Langille understands how valuable blood donation can be. She recently became a donor herself.
“My daughter Georgia, who is six, has a rare blood disorder and we’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals,” she said. “When see kids in hospital you think about how you could help, and giving blood is such as easy way to do that.”
Georgia has been diagnosed with glycosylation type 1P and when she has surgery her blood clots quickly or won’t clot.
Kristen tried to donate last summer but her iron levels were too low. This year, with her levels up, she downloaded the GiveBlood app and booked an appointment for July 4.
“It was all so easy and they’re so nice in there. They give you snacks and drinks and they explain everything really well. The first time you go they test your blood so if there’s anything unexpected they let you know.
“Once I gave blood I got a card in the mail that can sync with the app and let me make and cancel appointments.”
Kristen’s 17-year-old daughter, Abbie, now wants to become a donor.
“I think a lot of people avoid giving blood because they hate needles, but this isn’t painful,” said Kristen. “It doesn’t take long and doesn’t cost anything and it could save someone’s life.”
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Upcoming clinic:
Best Western Glengarry
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Thursday, August 15, 2019 12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Friday, August 16, 2019 12 – 3 p.m.
Truro residents are asked to book their appointments today by downloading the GiveBlood app or visit blood.ca.
