The Gift of Platelets and Blood

 The Gift of Platelets and Blood — How It Feels to Receive a Lifesaving Donation

When you hear about blood or platelet donations, it’s easy to think of it as something abstract — a noble act that helps “someone out there.” But for people like Zack, those donations are far more than a good deed. They are a lifeline. Yom tov this pesach was spent in hospital receiving platelets and blood.

Zack is 2 years old and has been receiving both platelet and blood transfusions as part of his treatment. Zack has had 14 blood transfusions and 22 platelet transfusions since August 2023

 It’s hard to put into words what it’s like watching your child go through this — the fatigue, the pale skin, the shortness of breath when his red blood cells are low, or the bruising and bleeding that comes when his platelet levels drop. But even more powerful is the feeling you get when, after a transfusion, life comes back into him. Color returns to his face. His energy lifts. He smiles again.

Zack knows  transfusions don’t hurt,  it’s just time spent resting, sometimes watching the iPad  or reading while the blood or platelets flow in. But the feeling afterward is what stands out. It’s like getting a piece of himself back.

After platelets, his body feels stronger — like the bruises and bleeding are finally under control. After red blood cells, it’s as if a fog has lifted. He breathes easier. He walks farther. He laughs more.

It’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it, but a transfusion doesn’t just improve his numbers — it restores his spirit.

To Every Donor: Thank You

If you’ve ever given blood or platelets, this post is for you. Maybe you didn’t know where your donation ended up. Maybe you wondered if it really mattered. I can tell you without hesitation: it did.

Your donation gave Zack another day to be a kid. Another chance to play, to go to nursery, to be with his family. It gave us more moments that we will never take for granted.

Donating platelets takes time. Donating blood takes effort. But it gives someone like Zack hope. And to us, that’s everything.

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves. Thank you for choosing to care. Thank you for helping kids like Zack keep fighting.

Your blood. Your platelets. Your kindness. They save lives.