Not All Heroes Wear Capes

This page is a small way to show appreciation to those who give blood from us who've receive blood.

If you are someone who has ever been the recipient of a blood transfusion, and you would like to add a thank you message to this page please feel free to message me.

“For me, blood transfusions/red cell exchanges have always been a last resort…my last chance. And at every point in my life where I have had only one more chance to get better I have always been met with enough donated blood to see the necessary procedures through. At those periods in my life I can easily say that if it wasn’t for the people who donated blood, I wouldn’t be here today and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you. Thank you to all blood donors on behalf of everyone everywhere for providing us with more chances, your generosity does not go unnoticed”

- Tito

"As a Sickle Cell sufferer if not for your generosity, I would not have been alive today. My life depends on these blood transfusions every month. So from the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you for your blood donations."

- Diana

"I just don't know what to say or how I could thank you. Blood that helps us on sustaining us. Time and time again you give and that is a blessing towards us. Number of times we go for these exchanges/transfusions and yet blood is readily available. It's all because of you. THANK YOU!!!"

- Esther 

"Thank you. I would like to think it was a selfless act, even if someone coerced you into doing it. You did it and that’s all that matters. People like you are rare; I know you’re rare because I’m rare, antibodies and all, lol. I’m stuck on the selflessness of it. And to the person that donated plasma, you are the biggest MVP. I hope you keep donating and that this letter finds you. Know that those 20 minutes and the needle were worth it and that your pint(s) of blood is making a difference in world. Those tubes translate to oxygen and healing and joy. Even in the times I had to wait a few days, saddened by the idea that there would be no match, you ended up coming through. So if no one has ever thanked you for saving a life, thank you." 

- Bukky

“So let me tell you about how I almost died a few days ago. I’ve been in hospital for six days now and I’m still reeling from shock at how quickly my health deteriorated from being perfectly fine. My organs began to shut down and I started haemorrhaging internally and needed an emergency blood transfusion. I learned about the importance of giving blood from an early age and first attempted to do so when I was 17, but was turned away because I was under weight. Every other time I attempted to, I was turned away for the same reason so I’ve never been lucky enough to be a blood donor. I am now however, a blood recipient. 

Even though I will never know the identity of those who donated their valuable time and precious blood that saved my life, I would still like to say you. Thank you fellow Namibian for sharing such a vital part of you and allowing me to receive four units of your life saving blood. I’d also like to thank my incredible team of doctors who worked around the clock to keep me alive Dr. Tshali Iithete Dr. Christo Burger and Dr. Elkana Nande - I salute you all.

I share this personal story because we so often hear from blood donors and not enough from blood recipients. I’d also like to thank The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia for ensuring that safe blood is always available to those in need. Finally I’d like to thank my incredible family for all the love and support, which includes Helena, Jann, Nancy, Pepe, Edison and everyone else. If you’re an eligible donor  please go and donate blood and give the most meaningful gift of all - the gift of life.”

- Tashia

“I wanna say a big thank you to blood donors worldwide! you never actually know the importance of donating blood until you are in need of it! I can definitely say I was ignorant to this as I felt It was something that would never affect me. Until I found my self sick abroad & needing a blood transfusion! Only God knows what the outcome would have been if I was unable to receive blood. The importance of donating blood is definitely a subject that more people need to be educated on as you never really know who could desperately be in need of blood! But I’m hoping that people continue to donate blood & help others.”

- Fay 

“I have thought about the many ways I could phrase this. I wanted a way to completely express my genuine gratitude so you can, in some way, experience the depth of how much this means to me, but nothing could ever suffice. So, put plainly. You’ve helped me breathe. You’ve relieved me of excruciating pain. You’ve freed me from my agony. For a few weeks I felt what it was to be normal because of you. I normally say we are all struggling in some sort of pool of life’s troubles - work school family etc. Nothing in life is really easy and everyone is going through something, however for people like me, when we come up for fresh air, we choke on the smoke from the flames of our lives; but you’ve helped me experience that fresh air. You’ve helped me dance laugh and enjoy the things I normally wouldn’t  be able to without catching my breath. You fuelled me through important procedures, essential to my wellbeing, I normally wouldn’t have been able to go through. So, thank you.”

- Titi

“Thank you!

As a sickle cell sufferer bloods is something that I rely on as a 6 weekly basis to be able to go about my daily life. I want to say thank you for having it in your heart to go and donate.

Thank you for helping prevent the most painful crisis I used to have that would leave me crying in a corner.

Thank you for providing the blood that helped reduce the effect of a stroke.

Thank you for giving me a chance to remain out of hospital.

Thank you for giving me the chance to be able to go longer periods with less pain.

Thank you for giving me a chance to enjoy simple things like chilling with friends, hanging out with siblings and even going on a train journey.

Thank you for giving me the chance to be able to go at least one day without thinking ‘God just take me’

That one small act of yours has kept me happy and going and you may never know just how much that has impacted my life but just know that I am alive and I am happy because of the regular blood exchanges I receive. Thank you so much for this act of kindness and hope you will continue to be blessed.”

- Remmy

“My sickle cell, got worst last year and I have had to start having blood transfusion and without it, I may not be here today..I don't know what to say to those who donated blood but thank you for giving me a second chance at life. I wish I could give back to others as well but it not possible. So to all those who give thank you and I want to thank you for all those other lives you have saved without even knowing it”

- Anon