“I have had a large number of people in my life who have been impacted by cancer and plasma is one of many things that is used to assist cancer patients,” Ms Milner said.
“The reality is, if I can help anyone who is going through one of the worst or toughest times of their life, be an accident or illness, then a small amount of my time is a gift I am willing to give.”
Ms Milner has been donating plasma about twice a year since late 2010.
She switched from donating blood to plasma after she moved to Tatura because her body struggled to cope with giving blood during the hot months.
“I was adamant I wanted to continue to donate, so I spoke with the donation centre and found a way that my body was very comfortable with — and that was plasma,” she said.
“As they return part of it to you, it’s less draining on the system. It takes longer to donate, but that doesn’t really bother me.
“Pre-COVID I used to snuggle up under a blanket with a juice and watch telly.
“The blanket isn’t on offer any more, but they do have heat packs.”
While giving blood and plasma isn’t for everyone, Ms Milner encouraged those who could to seriously consider it, as one donation could help to save three lives.
“The past two years has gifted us an opportunity to view how we live slightly differently and Australian communities are enormously generous, especially rural ones,” she said.
“And with COVID still spreading through the community, people are hesitant to donate as much and now more than ever, stocks are depleted.
“The teams at the donation centres and over the phone are amazing and support you through each donation journey.”
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Shae Burns said almost 10,000 blood and plasma donations were made at the Shepparton donor centre last year.
“This includes 3710 donations made from Lifeblood team members, including those at G-MW,’’ she said.
“We thank them for helping to save the lives of hundreds of people.”
Ms Milner is one of 45 Goulburn-Murray Water Lifeblood team members who made 125 blood and plasma donations at the Shepparton centre last year, contributing to saving the lives of 426 people.
Of 26 Lifeblood teams across the Shepparton region, G-MW ranked seventh in terms of donations.
“Australia needs a blood donation every 18 seconds, but we can’t do it without these generous locals and support from Lifeblood teams,” Ms Burns said.
The Shepparton Blood Donor Centre is at 210-216 Corio St. Shepparton.
To book a donation or check if you can donate, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 131 495.
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