Health Hero of the Month: Blood Donor Frances Dwyer

By Maya Zahran

From HealthSmart Magazine

On her sixteenth birthday, Frances teamed up with her best friend to do something she had been waiting to do for a long time: donate blood. Now that the time had come, she rolled up her sleeve, sunk into the oversized recliner and stared with interest as blood trailed from one tube into another, landing in a large transparent bag.

Ten years later, Frances Dwyer is still giving blood regularly. HealthSmart’s 26-year-old reader explains that she initially gave blood because she wanted to emulate her parents who donated regularly. Then, when her father contracted cancer some years later, it renewed her motivation to regularly visit the Blood Clinic. "Dad needed blood as part of his therapy and that made me realise the need to donate, no matter how busy you are."

Since losing her father and later an uncle to cancer, Dwyer has subsequently encouraged her extended family to donate blood too. The Australian Red Cross Blood Donation’s poster girl shares some insights…

1. What were you thinking the first time you donated?

"I remember being really excited about what my blood type was… I hoped I’d be the same as my dad because he was O; I knew that was the golden blood type because its trauma blood. But I ended up being exactly the same as mum, who’s got a rare blood type, A+."

2. Do you ever feel like giving up?

"Never. My husband and I donate blood together, which helps. He’s my rock. But I have had to put donation on hold once or twice. When I went backpacking around Europe, I went under the needle to get a tattoo. For a blood donor, this means no donating for 12 months. It’s great to do what you know is a good thing, but it’s important to balance that knowledge with your personal needs."

3. What aspects of your health life are you passionate about?

"I’ve been playing hockey for 15 years and counting; it’s turned into both a social highlight and a physical reward. It might sound strange, but when I don’t exercise I have less energy. Some of my friends see health as a burden, as something they’re constantly STRIVING to achieve. I’m lucky to have grown up with an approach to food and exercise that’s quite healthy.

4. How would you rate your health on a scale from 1-10?

"I am, generously, giving myself a 7! I don’t compare myself to other people, I compare me to myself. I know where my maximum fitness has been in the past and where I am now."

5. Is there any other health campaign you would follow?

"I would definitely consider donating my organs, and I’m a big supporter of the Cancer Council, and we’ve done a Relay for Life [a Cancer Council team fundraising event] in honour of my dad. It was there when we needed it and I want to make sure it’s there for others."

For information on how you can donate blood call the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 13 45 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au

We’re calling on you to nominate your favourite gal pal to be the Health Hero of the Month. Send us an email to editor@healthsmartmagazine.com and tell us how she inspires YOU to stay healthy.

Health Hero of the Month: Blood Donor Frances Dwyer

From HealthSmart Magazine - Oct/Nov 2008

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