news, local-news

When people see Luke Graham at Woodberry Public School all they see is a regular bloke there to pick up his daughter. What people don’t know is that Mr Graham has a rare condition, common variable immune disorder, which requires a blood transfusion every 28 days just for him to survive. As a show of support to Mr Graham and his family, the school is launching a blood drive to encourage people to donate blood. School chaplain Allison Lucas said she hoped the community would back the drive. “Luke approached the school, explained his condition and asked if we wanted to organise a blood drive to help the blood bank out,” she said. “Obviously the blood bank always needs help with their blood supplies and from there we have run with it. “We want to help support Luke as he goes through this, and his family, just to let them know that someone cares enough about them to help in a practical sense. “Instead of just talking about it we wanted to take action.” Mrs Lucas said Mr Graham was not alone in his plight. “It’s particularly important because to look at Luke you don’t realise what is needed to keep him alive,” she said. “Twenty-eight days without treatment puts him in a critical condition; a lot of people didn’t realise he was so sick. “He needs support and I’m sure he’s not the only one, I’m sure there are lots out there.” “Every week Australians require 27,000 blood transfusions to help with treatments for cancer, major trauma and other serious illnesses.” She invited people to phone the Maitland Blood Bank on 131 495 and make an appointment to donate.

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