Sudbury mother says 'thank you' to blood donors for 3-year-old son

Morning North4:32Blood donations big help for Sudbury boy with leukemia

Three-year old Nicholas Steinke of Sudbury boy requires regular blood tranfusions for treatment of his leukemia. His mom, Kim Steinke, wants to thank donors who gave blood that helped save her young son's life. She spoke with the CBC's Angela Gemmill.Kim and Nicholas Steinke were at a special blood donor clinic yesterday to say "thank you" to everyone who gave blood.

Kim said her son Nicholas' blood cells were nearly 90 per cent cancerous when he was first diagnosed, but chemotherapy, as well as blood and platelet transfusions, saved the three-year-old's life.

Generous donors have given him a brighter future, Kim said. And despite the health challenges that someone with leukemia faces, it's a relief to know the support of the community can provide some relief.

"We're grateful that if his levels do drop anymore...there is blood available for him," she said.

Kim said they attended the clinic to provide donors with a personal face they could associate with their donations.

"Not everybody knows who their blood is helping," she said. "And by putting a face to the cause, I think it is great awareness. Anything that we can do to help, to raise awareness and to get more donors."

To find a blood clinic near you, visit www.blood.ca.

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