Amelia - Platelet Recipient Story

My name is Amelia Deane and I am from Dublin. When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia also known as A.L.L. This diagnosis came in March of 2009 after spending many weeks dealing with illnesses such as nosebleeds, lethargy, and many bruises after starting in junior infants. This was a big disruption to not only my life but my family’s life, which includes my mam, dad and two older brothers. They have been my biggest supporters and advocators as they stood by me throughout my years of treatment and now survivorship.

I was treated in the children’s hospital in Crumlin, by many wonderful nurses, doctors, and all the staff. My treatment consisted of many rounds of chemo, steroids, blood and platelet transfusions, and isolation, from having cancer your immune system is compromised and a huge help is receiving blood and platelet donations whilst on chemotherapy. If I did not have the chance to receive platelets, I would have been a lot sicker for longer.

Platelets are highly beneficial as they are quite literally lifesaving, treating the illness straight away. I am now almost fourteen years in remission, taking life a day at a time. I was lucky to receive platelets, and you should feel lucky to say you have donated them! I also wish to say thank you to anyone who donated during the time I was in treatment, you are brilliant. And to anyone currently donating now and reading this, know that you are wonderful.