Regular Donors: The True Unsung Heroes

Regular donors, the true unsung heroes, are those who selflessly contribute to saving lives through blood donation. Jocelyn Amadis and M. A. Ancsy Nanette share a common belief that donating blood is an altruistic act that can save entire families. They call for solidarity and emphasize the urgency of regular commitment to donation.

Jocelyn Amadis: Donating for Over 40 Years

At 59, Jocelyn Amadis has been donating blood since he was 20, proudly continuing a family tradition. An active member of the Blood Donors Association (BDA), he advocates for blood donation, even though health issues currently prevent him from donating.

His journey began with his father, a regular donor who instilled in him a spirit of solidarity. Initially, he donated mainly for family and friends in need. For many years, he limited himself to two donations per year, a frequency he now considers too modest. His commitment intensified about ten years ago when he joined the BDA, increasing his donations to four times a year.

Jocelyn's engagement goes beyond his own donations. Passionate about theater, he found an unexpected way to raise awareness among youth through artistic expression. He mentors children in Bambous and Morne, engaging them in creative projects centered on blood donation. They participate in parades with impactful slogans, inspiring parents to donate as well. Many children he has mentored have become donors upon reaching adulthood.

Due to health issues, Jocelyn has been temporarily sidelined from donation centers, a situation that has highlighted the value of the network he has built. When his daughter, who has since passed, needed blood, and more recently his wife did as well, he relied on the solidarity of fellow donors. He emphasizes the importance of these connections during difficult times when blood is needed for transfusions or surgeries.

Though he cannot donate at the moment, Jocelyn remains enthusiastic about his role. As the head of a family catering business, he regularly sponsors blood drives and provides meals for volunteers. He has also gained significant knowledge about blood donation, which he is eager to share. He insists that one donation can save up to three lives.

Jocelyn believes donating blood benefits the donor as well. "It makes you more health-conscious, and each donation comes with a health check-up. Some discover they have hypertension or diabetes," he shares. However, he is concerned about the demographic of donors, noting that most regular donors are over 40, and many young people are afraid of needles. This motivates him to continue his advocacy among younger generations, aiming to teach them about healthy living and the importance of blood donation.

Ancsy Nanette: Overcoming Phobia to Save Lives

M. A. Ancsy Nanette, a regular donor for nearly twenty years, exemplifies deep commitment to blood donation. Despite a strong fear of needles, she visits donation events two to three times a year, determined to contribute and inspire others.

Her journey began during her first pregnancy when she learned she had a rare and highly sought-after blood type: O positive, the universal donor type. She was moved to help others after realizing that people die each year due to lack of transfusions. A significant experience solidified her resolve when a friend's daughter needed a transfusion during a visit to Mauritius, and Ancsy was able to help. This experience transformed her view of blood donation from a simple act of kindness to a vital lifeline for others.

Year after year, she continues to donate despite her fear, focusing on the lives she can save. She expresses gratitude to Dewanand Hossen, president of the BDA, for his unwavering support.

Solidarity runs deep in her family; her 22-year-old son has donated since he turned 18, inspired by her example. However, she laments that some only come forward when a relative is in need of blood, stressing that anyone could find themselves in similar situations. For her, the most powerful donations come from those who give selflessly, without knowing who will benefit from their generosity.

Ancsy invokes the spirit of Mauritian solidarity, reminding us that helping those in need is part of their culture. She encourages women to donate blood, not as a favor but to help those who have no other hope. "When we save a life, someone else will be there for us when we need it," she concludes with unwavering conviction.