Why Rita Zappulla pays it forward with 70 blood donations
After her brother was seriously injured in a car crash, Rita Zappulla vowed to save the lives of others and has now notched up an amazing milestone. How many lives she’s saved.
Cairns
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AFTER her younger brother was in a serious car accident and needed a blood transfusion, nine-year-old Rita Zappulla made a vow she would become a donor when she was old enough.
Last week Ms Zappulla, 54, clocked up her 70th donation at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Cairns Donor Centre in Sheridan St, Cairns North.
“When my little brother was seven he was in a major car accident, hurt his arm and needed a blood donation,” she said.
“So I made a commitment that as soon as I was able to give I would give back and have been doing so since I was 21.”
The Kanimbla resident said that while she at times donated plasma, it was the red stuff she had been able to donate regularly.
“Every time you give blood you potentially save up to three lives,” Ms Zappulla said.
“If I can help someone else have a better life then this is very worthwhile.”
Ms Zappulla said the thought that someone helped her family when it was needed has remained with her.
“It’s good to be able to pay back and it takes really very little of my time to help pay it forward.”
Visit lifeblood.com.au for donation details.
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Originally published as Why Rita Zappulla pays it forward with 70 blood donations
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