Most people want cake and presents for their birthday.
But Brian and Samantha Audia were hoping for something a little different for their daughter Rosalie's first birthday.
They made a plea for people in the community to give the gift of life.
And, once again, the community stepped up and rallied around the family and their cause.
"Thanks to the Audia family, by sharing their story and encouraging (people) to donate on Rosalie’s behalf, we saw a higher than average number of walk-in donors and also a higher than average number of what we call ‘reinstated’ donors, meaning people who haven’t donated in a long time," said Elaine St. Pierre, the territory manager for Canadian Blood Services.
"It was clear that Rosie’s story had a big impact on those who chose to donate blood in Orillia last week," she said.
Rosie's story, shared last week to help promote the blood donor clinics, is a heart-tugger.
She was born Feb. 23, 2018 and, in a matter of days, became ill. It was soon discovered she had three congenital heart defects.
The most worrisome was pulmonary atresia, which impedes the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Doctors deemed it inoperable and said a heart transplant was vital. Fortunately, a match was found in time and on June 27, she received her new heart and a new lease on life.
While the new heart was a life-saver, she has also required six blood transfusions in her short life.
“Each of these blood transfusions were essential in her treatment both in the months while waiting for a transplant, and during the surgery itself,” said Samantha Audia, Rosie's grateful mom.
“She would not be alive today without blood donors.”
That prompted the family to tell their story and to encourage people to give blood. They answered the call.
St. Pierre said the two clinics last week resulted in 203 donations, which surpassed their goal. More importantly, it saved lives.
“Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood and often from more than one generous donor,” said St. Pierre, who encourages people to give blood regularly.
