Ken Mann
2/5/2013
If you're on the fence about becoming a blood donor, this might be the push you need.
McMaster Children's Hospital and Canadian Blood Services are joining forces on a "bravery bead" campaign through which blood donors will be asked to sign a red "bravery bead" symbolizing a blood transfusion.
Each bead will then be given to a child undergoing treatment, such as three year old Liam Gibson who has undergone surgeries and aggressive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
His father, Ross, says Liam's 12 hundred beads tell his story and paint a picture "some good and some bad and some very difficult for a young child to go through".
Different colour beads are handed out for each procedure or event that a young person undergoes while in hospital.
McMaster Children's Hospital Child Life Specialist Maria Restivo says examples include dressing changes, needle pokes, chemotherapy and being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.
She adds that the young patients like the "visual portrayal" and that family and friends can see what they are going through when they come to visit.
Ross Gibson stresses that what it really comes down to is "that by giving the gift of blood, you're giving the gift of life". To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE.
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