Daughter makes blood donation plea for terminally ill dad
Dr Smith-Thompson made the plea in an online post via Facebook, where she said the hospital lab will accept any blood type to replenish the current supply, as the family is trying their best to get Mr N. Chadwell Smith to his 86th birthday.
“Despite his age and condition (terminal cancer), dad has such a will to live. It has been a tough journey for him. I admire his determined spirit so much. I am trying to get him to his 86th birthday on April 4th,” Dr Smith-Thompson said in a Friday, March 19, 2021, Facebook post.
Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) she said while her dad has stage 4 prostate cancer and has had several transfusions in the past, the blood helps and makes a difference in his quality of life.
Family cherishing every moment - Dr Smith-Thompson
“We are cherishing every moment with him… so he is hanging on, but the blood really helps because his blood count tends to drop, and when he gets the transfusion of blood, it really helps him,” she said.
According to Dr Smith-Thompson, donors can go to the hospital between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm on weekdays to make donations at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, however, persons who recently received the COVID-19 vaccine would have to wait a couple of weeks before they can donate.
Persons interesting in donating blood can reach out via the Facebook page, "Arlene Smith-Thompson" for further information.
Dr Smith-Thompson also took the opportunity to remind Virgin Islanders that there is an importance in donating blood. She said it will ensure that the hospital maintains a high supply, especially for emergency use.
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9 Responses to “Daughter makes blood donation plea for terminally ill dad”
We should pray that Allah be merciful into him and ease his suffering
Thanks everyone for your concern about my Dad.
I really discouraged VINO from running this story from my Facebook page, as I did not want my intentions to be misconstrued on a matter that is very personal to our family. I do understand, however, that persons are entitled to their opinions and rightfully so.
Please know that it is not my intention to prolong my father's life against his wishes. The donations of blood mostly help to keep him as comfortable as possible as his disease progresses.
Dad is still lucid enough to express what he wants and that is why I said that he has a will to live. Believe it or not, it still brings him joy to be in contact with loved ones. He is a lover of life, and a very jovial person. He would always jokingly say, "I am hanging on tooth and nail." I think he would let us know when he has had enough of this life. It is really not for any of us to decide and 'hustle' him on.
Thanks to all the persons in our community that took their time to donate blood on my father's behalf. Thanks to others that continue to support us through their prayers and best wishes.
I encourage persons to give to the hospital's blood bank whenever they can, as there is always a need to replenish the supply. We just never know when we will be in need of such a life-saving gift.
Peace and blessings to all!