Inspired by Coronis Bracken Ridge Sales Manager Dion Saab and his wife Cassandra, the Coronis Blood Drive follows the diagnosis of their four-year-old daughter, Mia, with ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura).
“Earlier this year Mia was diagnosed with ITP, a condition where the spleen attacks the blood platelets,” Mr Saab said.
“An average person has a platelet count between 150-400, but Mia’s platelet count dropped to a critical low of 14.
“A blood transfusion would have greatly helped her and sped up her recovery but unfortunately Mia didn’t meet the criteria to receive one because the blood bank supplies are disturbingly low, so it was a big eye opener and really motivated us to organise the Coronis Blood Drive.
“The support of the team has been phenomenal, about 100 people have now donated or are registered to donate shortly which will collectively help save 300 people’s lives… we’re just blown away by that.”
Chief Operating Officer Karuna Dimelow said the Coronis team are very family orientated and always rally around each other.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and how they have selflessly contributed their time and blood this week to support not only Dion and Cass, but local families in need,” Ms Dimelow said.
“As an organisation, we’re driven by family values and we’re committed to helping our community in which ever way we can. In recent years, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Diabetes Queensland, the Mater Foundation, AEIOU, Starlight Foundation etc but this is the first blood drive we’ve organised.
“I know the majority of our team were first time donors as it’s something that a lot of people think about doing but never get around to booking in, so moving forward we’ll continue to make this a regular event every quarter and actively make time to do something that is so simple and free but makes a huge difference to the lives of others.”
Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Liam Richardson said the Chermside Blood Donor Centre, where the majority of donations had taken place was grateful for the support of local businesses like Coronis, who have now become members of the Blood Service’s social responsibility program – Red25.
“Winter has arrived and we are already seeing a rise in appointment cancellations because donors are feeling unwell due to colds and flu,” Mr Richardson said.
“Any local business, sporting and community group can join Red25, as by working together, we can help save even more lives.”
