Andy Shapter is 78 years old and just retired from work last Sunday, but he has one important job which he says he’ll never quit: being a blood donor.
Shapter has donated blood 410 times.
He’s a regular at the Canadian Blood Services clinic on Wicklow Street in St. John’s, where he goes at least every two weeks to donate plasma.
Over the years, Shapter’s donated whole blood, platelets, and plasma, so it’s hard to estimate exactly how many people he’s helped— that’s because one whole blood donation helps three people, while plasma is one-for-one — but he’s likely impacted hundreds of lives.
“It’s something you can do that only costs you a little bit of your time, but you could be doing an awful lot of people an awful lot of good.” –Andy Shapter
Shapter doesn’t donate for recognition and he doesn’t have any personal reasons for doing it – his reason is quite simple: “It’s something you can do that only costs you a little bit of your time, but you could be doing an awful lot of people an awful lot of good,” he said.
Shapter was one of 80 people Canadian Blood Services gathered together Thursday evening at Admiral’s Green Clubhouse in St. John’s for an annual ceremony to thank donors.
One boy in the audience was particularly thankful for people like Shapter.
Eight-year-old David Young was diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia two years ago.
Throughout the course of his treatment, he received at least 16 blood and 10 platelet transfusions.
“It feels good,” he said, of seeing all of the people in the room who have donated blood.
“If it wasn’t for blood donors he wouldn’t be here,” said David’s mother, Melanie Murphy.
“When people asked what they could do for us, we responded, ‘Please, if you can donate blood, that would be wonderful’ because blood is not something you can go out and put on a credit card, or pick up at the store – it’s something that you rely on people to be good enough to donate.” –Melanie Murphy
The family of four were on vacation in 2016 when David became ill and they were advised to return to Canada.
“Upon our return, blood donors came through for us and David received his first round of blood and platelets. A few days later, we received the news that no parent wants to hear, but far too many do – David had cancer.”
Burkitt leukemia is a rare and aggressive form that requires an equally aggressive course of treatment.
David had six rounds of in-patient chemotherapy more or less back-to-back.
“Over the course of his treatments he needed quite a bit of blood,” said Murphy. “So, when people asked what they could do for us, we responded, ‘Please, if you can donate blood, that would be wonderful’ because blood is not something you can go out and put on a credit card, or pick up at the store — it’s something that you rely on people to be good enough to donate.”
Unfortunately, blood donors like Shapter are rare.
Canadian Blood Services’ Atlantic Canada director of donor relations Peter MacDonald said one in two Canadians are eligible to give blood.
“But less than four per cent actually do,” he said.
“We’re so reliant on such a small percentage of the population that it’s great to be able to recognize them tonight, but if anything, I’d really like them to be the ones to inspire others to become blood donors, and hopefully next year this room is twice as full as it is tonight.”
Murphy said the roomful of people gives her peace of mind.
“Because at one point the platelet supply was kind of low, and when you’re waiting on platelets and your child has a nosebleed, those minutes feel really long. It makes you really appreciate the people who go out of their way to donate.”
Today, David is in remission – he’s back at school, playing soccer and rugby, and he’s even earned his yellow belt in karate.
For that, the family thanks blood donors.
“We owe it all to you.”
“One in two Canadians are eligible to give blood, but less than four per cent actually do.” –Peter MacDonald, Canadian Blood Services
To donate blood, book an appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283). In St. John’s, walk-in donations are welcome at the Canadian Blood Services’ Wicklow Street location.
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
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