From Family Emergency to Lifesaving Mission: My Journey as a Blood and Platelet Donor
By Praveen Gurunath Bharathi
My journey as a blood donor began with a personal family emergency. Years ago, my uncle in India needed blood for his heart surgery. I remember feeling apprehensive at first, unsure if I would even be eligible to donate due to my weight. But I decided to try, and it was a transformative experience. Donating blood for the first time not only helped my uncle but also gave me an incredible sense of fulfillment, knowing that I had made a tangible difference in someone’s life.
After that, I was inspired to continue giving blood. I started donating regularly in India, realizing how impactful this simple act could be. When I moved to the UK, I continued the practice, becoming a regular blood donor. Then, two years ago, I relocated to the United States to work as a Research Fellow in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at Stanford University.
At Stanford, my work brought me into close proximity with cancer patients. Witnessing their struggles and the immense need for blood products in their treatment deeply moved me. I felt a strong desire to contribute more meaningfully to humanity. While I was familiar with whole blood donation, I learned that donating platelets could have a more direct impact on patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment.
Initially, I was hesitant about the platelet donation process. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and the idea of a longer, more involved procedure made me nervous. However, the staff at Stanford Blood Center quickly put my fears to rest. They patiently explained the process, addressed all my concerns, and created an environment of comfort and care. The procedure turned out to be smooth and even relaxing. That experience solidified my decision to transition from whole blood donation to platelet donation.
Platelets are crucial for cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from surgeries, as they help control bleeding and aid in recovery. Knowing that my donation could directly benefit these patients made me determined to donate platelets regularly. Unlike whole blood donation, which requires a 56-day interval between donations, platelet donation can be done more frequently. This allowed me to give more and make a bigger impact.
Today, I donate platelets regularly and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to saving lives. Each donation reminds me that a small act of kindness can have a profound ripple effect.
I urge every healthy individual to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or platelets. Your donation could mean the world to someone in need. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a healthier, cancer-free society. Let’s come together to save lives, one donation at a time.