Blood Blitz: Family of young boy with leukaemia urges West Australians to donate blood over the festive season

Those who roll up their sleeves to donate blood and plasma over the Christmas period will be helping give Riley Coyne a second chance at life. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched its annual Christmas Blood Blitz today as WA needs an extra 85 donors each day between December 18 and January 2. For three-year-old Riley, who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, he has already needed blood, platelet, and immunoglobulin transfusions since his diagnosis in June. His mum Elysia Coyne said Riley needed 14 transfusions in the last six months and will need more as his treatment continues into the new year. “Riley had a swollen lymph node on his neck … once he had a blood test they knew something was wrong because he was anaemic and needed blood transfusions straight away,” Ms Coyne said. “He needs the right amount of platelets and haemoglobin and neutrophils for his treatment so transfusions is one of the most crucial things for people with blood cancers.” Ms Coyne said there was a chance Riley could spend Christmas in hospital due to his chemotherapy treatments. “Generally every two weeks he will go in for a high dose of chemo and has to be admitted to the ward for two to three days every time and obviously longer if he develops a fever,” she said. “If he develops a fever regardless we are straight to ED and straight to the ward until his fever is cleared to make sure it’s not an infection. “At any moment Riley could need a transfusion so people regularly donating just gives us peace of mind that we will have donations when he needs them.” The Coynes have started a blood donation team called Super Riley, who have already donated more than 80 times since July. The family is now calling on others to donate blood and plasma over Christmas and New Year. “If you’re well enough you should donate because you could save a life and not even just donate but sign up to the StrengthtoGive registry for stem cell donations too,” Ms Coyne said. One donation can help three people and one plasma donation can be turned into 18 different treatments. Anyone who donates this festive season will have their arms wrapped in a vibrant limited-edition bandage designed by artist and plasma recipient Kat Macleod. Lifeblood donor experience director Cath Stone said if you’ve been considering becoming a donor, now is an ideal time because it is historically quieter in Lifeblood’s donor centres. “Make the season your reason. We urge you to direct your festive spirit into helping others by showing up and filling a donation chair,” she said. “A blood donation is a selfless gift that can not only save lives but improve the quality of lives, and can give people more precious moments with their loved ones.” Lifeblood donor centres will be open throughout the holidays including many on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.