Manitoba's top blood donor meets longtime recipient
CBC News | Posted: June 15, 2012 12:51 AM | Last Updated: June 15, 2012
A Manitoba man who has donated blood more than 300 times had a heartwarming meeting with a woman who has relied on thousands of blood donations.
Don Pryce has donated blood 361 times since he was 21 years old, making him Canadian Blood Services' top blood donor in Manitoba.
"It kind of makes you feel better that you know you're helping somebody, or you hope you're helping somebody," Pryce told CBC News.
On Thursday, Pryce met Rose Pallone, 42, who has received more than 1,500 blood donations to date.
Pallone has thalassemia major, a genetic blood disorder that can be fatal. She requires two units of blood every six to eight weeks.
"For me, it just means the world that I can relax and know that my future looks bright because there are [donors] such as Don," Pallone said.
Canadian Blood Services arranged for Pryce and Pallone to meet at its Winnipeg clinic on Thursday as part of World Blood Donor Day.
There are about 3,500 blood donors in Manitoba who give about twice a year on average, according to the organization.
Canadian Blood Services says it is looking for more young Manitobans to step up and become first-time donors.