My name is Duane Gordon and I'm now a 59-year-old man. In 2018, then 51, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. I went through many blood product transfusions. These gifts kept me stable until I could receive a splenectomy and, when that failed, an aggressive round of Rituxin. I was then deemed in remission. In 2019 I retired from my job and went to my doctor for a physical. The next day he called me and told me to go to the ER. My platelets, white cells and red cells had all crashed to dangerous levels. I was admitted to Lakeridge Oshawa where I was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia and received many, many donated blood products. These gifts kept me stable until I was transferred to Sunnybrook Hospital where I received ATG treatment. I was deemed in remission and monitored by my hematologist. In March 2021, I went to the ER with Covid symptoms. I did not have Covid but was told I had relapsed with my AA. I was transferred to Princess Margaret Cancer Center. My doctor gave me an 80% chance of survival. I was informed I needed a stem cell transplant. During my stay in Lakeridge, I contracted pneumonia in both lungs. My survival dropped to 50%. I received an anonymous donation from an angel. She selflessly has given numerous times and has a high success rate. It was a fight that I would not wish on anyone and am forever grateful to my donor. I recently, on June 3rd, celebrated my 5th rebirthday. Due to the standard time elapsed my transplant physician, Dr. Jonas Mattsson has deemed me cured. The Angels who donate blood products saved my life as I received many transfusions of blood, platelets, plasma and finally stem cells. I can never repay them for their selfless actions. My wife, children, grandchildren and family thank them every day. I would not be able to write this had it not been for blood donors, they saved my life. Obviously, I am unable to donate but I would like to salute the ones who do!! Thank you so much for your gift!!
