Richmond mum Kerryn Miller urges Australians to donate blood and plasma

It took more than 1000 blood donations to save the life of a teen with leukaemia — and his grateful mum is urging people to donate blood and plasma over the holidays to help others like him.

It’s taken more than 1000 blood donors to save Josh Miller, after the teen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when aged just nine in 2018.

The 14-year-old from Richmond essentially had an “on call” list of donors to support him through extensive chemotherapy, a bone-marrow transplant and immunotherapy, with donors coming to his aid from across the country.

His treatment also made him just the fifth Australian to receive CAR-T cell therapy, where T-cells are taken out of the body and modified to attack cancer cells.

His mother Kerryn Miller said Josh’s T-cells were sent to America to be modified for the treatment.

“Thankfully it worked but even then he took a long time to get over things,” she said.

Josh Miller with his mother Kerryn Miller. Picture: Thomas Parrish

Josh needed 1000 blood donors during his treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Picture: Thomas Parrish

“We spent a fair bit of time in Melbourne and (used) lots and lots of blood products … We’ve been very big users of Lifeblood.”

Five years on, Josh is in remission and loves playing Fortnite and hanging out with friends just like every other teenager, though his mother explained that he still needs monthly transfusions to boost his immune system.

Despite being in remission, Josh still needs monthly transfusions, with his mother urging people to donate over the New Year period.

“Even though we’re kind of out of the woods, we’re still reliant on donors, and that’s why we’ve always been very supportive of Lifeblood, because we’re still one of their customers,” she said.

Many children like Josh will rely on blood transfusions over the holiday period, with 1000 donors needed in NSW alone through to Tuesday next week, while 1200 blood and plasma donors are still needed per day across the country.

Lifeblood executive director of donor experience Cath Stone said that demand for blood and plasma has risen by 3.5 per cent in NSW this year.

“NSW uses more blood and blood products than are collected in the state, meaning we have to ship blood from interstate to support hospitals here,” Ms Stone said.

Josh during his treatment.

Although he can now lead a fairly normal life, his treatment is ongoing.

“The best way you can support someone undergoing cancer treatment or a family experiencing a trauma is to donate blood and help us get the blood that’s needed to wherever it needs to be across the state.”

Ms Miller also urged Australians to consider donating blood and plasma to help children like her son.

“It’s not just because of the car accidents that happen, but people continually need blood products if they’re having any oncology or cancer treatment. That need doesn’t stop,” she said.

In a bid to boost collections, eight donor centres will be open on New Year’s Day.

Find your nearest donation centre at: www.lifeblood.com.au