Our People in VIC
Andrew Greaves - Grabbing a Red Lifeline
If anyone knows the life-saving importance of donating blood, it is SQNLDR Andrew Greaves.
SQNLDR Greaves, of Headquarters Air Training Wing at RAAF East Sale, was diagnosed in 2007 with myeloma, a blood cancer similar to leukaemia and lymphoma.
“I felt what appeared to be a small hole in the bone at the front of my skull,” he said.
“Over the following days, the ‘hole’ seemed to increase in size. After seeing the SMO I was sent for a CT scan. Within days I was undergoing surgery to remove a ‘lump’ from the bone marrow in my skull.”
After that initial surgery, SQNLDR Greaves underwent various treatments including chemotherapy, total body irradiation and stem cell harvest and transplant. He also needed blood.
“During the course of my treatment, I needed four platelet infusions and one full blood transfusion,” he said.
“I have been the recipient of blood and blood products on numerous occasions over the last four to five years.
“Without these I would not have been able to undergo my life-saving treatment, which now has me in long-term remission, nor would I have survived the treatment itself. I needed blood products to keep me going.”
SQNLDR Greaves said although not having the chance to donate blood himself, it was vital for people to realise just how important donation was.
“Being a full-time pilot, I never had the opportunity to donate.
“Aircrew are still able to donate blood, however, there are some time restrictions between the donation and reporting for flying duties.
“I think it’s really important for people to donate. One in three people will need blood at some point but only one in 30 donates.
“You never know when you or a family member might need it, so I’d encourage everyone who can to roll up their sleeves and give generously.”
SQNLDR Greaves has set up a donor group for RAAF Base East Sale on the Blood Service’s Club Red registration site.
During the Defence Organisation Blood Challenge, personnel, friends and family can nominate Air Force as their organisation for their donation to count in the challenge.
“It’s important primarily to increase the amount of blood donations, but also it’s great for Defence to wave the flag and show that we are supporting the public,” SQNLDR Greaves said.
“Air Force previously won the challenge but last year we were knocked off the top, so it’s important that Air Force personnel get behind the challenge and take the trophy back this year.”