Reg Parker received a double lung and liver transplant in March 2014. His life was saved by one generous organ donor and 32 blood donors. (Photo: Canadian Blood Services)
Locate the nearest Canadian Blood Services clinic to you
here.
In preparation for Blood Drive Week next week starting Dec. 14, Canadian Blood Services is coming to Toronto General Hospital (TGH) today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Blood Typing Session. In just a few minutes, your blood type can be determined.
Former TGH patient Reg Parker's life was saved by those who rolled up their sleeves and donated blood. See his story below.
"Nothing short of a miracle"
You wouldn't know this from looking at me but in March 2014, I received a double lung and liver transplant. It was nothing short of a miracle that after less than two days of being listed for transplant, three organs matching all of my needs became available.
Someone else's tragedy resulted in a chance at life for me. This fact does not escape me and frankly overwhelms me at times.
During the more than 20 hours I spent in surgery, I was saved by an amazing team of doctors and nurses at the Toronto General Hospital and notably by 33 other people – 32 of whom donated blood through the Canadian Blood Services and one generous organ donor.
The blood that I received while in surgery and the transfusions that followed allow me to continue to be an adoring husband to my wife Catherine of 18 years and a loving father to my two teenage boys, Mackenzie and Thomas. I can also continue to be a dedicated hockey coach to 17 boys whom I consider part of our family.
Please consider rolling up your sleeve so that you can contribute to someone else's miracle.
Reg Parker
