A newborn’s life was saved by a neonatal exchange transfusion. 35 years later, her mother continues to give back by donating blood.
Four days after giving birth, Christine Stone faced every mother’s worst fear: her newborn daughter, Kelly, needed a life-saving neonatal exchange transfusion. What started as a joyful first week quickly turned into a scary and stressful time for the entire family.
A neonatal exchange transfusion is a life-saving procedure that treats severe jaundice and anaemia by gradually replacing the infant’s blood with fresh donor blood. Severe jaundice, characterised by high bilirubin levels, can lead to serious complications, including brain damage.
Exchange transfusion is performed by inserting a small tube into a blood vessel, often near the umbilical cord, allowing doctors to slowly withdraw small amounts of the baby’s blood and replace it with donor blood, a process that can take up to three hours.
Kelly underwent this procedure at Somerset Hospital 35 years ago, an experience that inspired Christine to begin donating blood. “I donate because someone else gave so my daughter could survive. Today, she’s a mother of three. Thank you to everyone who donates. Lives are changed because of your giving,” Christine expressed.
To date, Christine has successfully donated 63 units and remains committed to saving lives. Although she had to take a break 14 years ago after donating a kidney to a friend’s 6-year-old grandson, she is back providing life-saving blood to help those in need.
Christine’s story is a compelling reminder that every blood donation is a future waiting to unfold. Blood donors make stories like Kelly’s possible. You could be the reason someone gets to grow up, raise a family, and live a full life.
