Elen’s Story
Blood donations can be used for a number of reasons to save or improve the lives of people in need. We spoke to Elen who has received many blood donations to find out about her experience and how this helped her.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you have required blood transfusions?
“Hi, I’m Elen. I am fifteen years old, in year 10 at school. I am hoping to become a vet when I’m older as I enjoy the sciences, mainly biology. I like to cook, read and do yoga and plan to move to Wales when I’m older.
I was diagnosed into 2016 with ALL. This stands for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia which is a blood cancer. I was 11 years old and it was around Christmas time, 16th of December.”
How frequently did you rely on blood transfusions?
“Having a blood cancer, you rely on blood transfusions a lot. I had them regularly for around 2 years during my treatment.”
How did you feel blood transfusions benefited you?
“Blood transfusions were vital for me. The feeling when you do not have enough blood in your body is horrible. You're weak, you're tired and you have constant nosebleeds as well as fainting. Blood transfusions allowed me not to feel like this and to actually be able to go about my day-to-day life.”
When did you go into remission?
“I was in remission around the summer 2017 after the intensive 6 months.”
Before requiring blood transfusions, how aware were you of blood donation? Have you learnt about it in school?
“My parents do donate blood, more regularly now so I was aware of blood donations however never really understood the real impact they have. We learnt about blood donations scientifically this year in school but not about the impact it has on people.”
How do you reflect on the blood transfusion process?
“I see it as one of the positives in my journey as they saved me many times and was one of the things that made me feel good and alive through this process. I wish I could thank all of those who have donated blood that has been given to me as I owe them everything.”