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A South East Queensland Coronis team has helped save the lives of over 300 people through a blood donation drive conducted in June.
The inspiration for the drive was from Coronis Bracken Ridge sales manager Dion Saab and his wife Cassandra, following their 4-year-old daughter Mia’s idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) diagnosis.
“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.”
Originally, Mia did not meet the criteria for a blood transfusion due to low supplies of blood, which prompted the Coronis initiative to donate over 100 pints of blood, the sales manager said.
“The support of the team has been phenomenal, about 100 people have no donated or are registered to donate shortly, which will collectively help save 300 people’s lives,” Mr Saab said.
Chief operating officer Karuna Dimelow said that the team is very family-orientated and always was there to support 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.
Ms Dimelow said that Coronis had always committed itself to charities including Diabetes Queensland and Starlight Children’s foundation, but this was the first blood donation drive.
“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,” the CEO said.
Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Liam Richardson said that they were incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses like Coronis who have become members of Red25, the Red Cross’ social responsibility program.
“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 ever more lives.”
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