Quiet and unassuming, Dion Cochrane might not fit the mould of a typical hero. Yet, the local resident is single-handedly responsible for having saved as many as 300 lives. How has he done it? By simply rolling up his sleeve.
Dion Cochrane is a blood donor. He readily admits that his motivation for donating blood wasn't always entirely altruistic. His blood donation days began back in high school, at the age of 17. At the time, giving blood meant getting out of class, so Dion eagerly lined-up to donate. In later years, while working for a construction company, Dion again had added incentive to give - it translated into four days off with pay. So, he readily embraced the opportunity.
But what began as a simple desire to catch a break, turned into a much more meaningful act when Dion witnessed first-hand the potential his blood had to save a life. He remembers receiving a phone call, asking him to come in to make a special blood donation. A woman was in the hospital and needed a blood transfusion. This time, Dion wasn't coming to the clinic to get away from something - he was coming to try to save a life, and he did. Later, Dion had an opportunity to meet the woman who he helped save through his blood donation. Meeting her, along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren opened Dion's eyes to the much deeper meaning of his gift.
Dion was recently honoured by Canadian Blood Services for reaching his 100th donation milestone. With every donation carrying the potential to save three lives, through Dion's contributions over the years, he's saved 300.
"I feel healthier after I donate," said Cochrane. "It feels good knowing I've done something good for somebody."
June 13 to19 is National Blood Donor Week, a time dedicated to celebrating generous donors like Dion, who selflessly roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life. It's also a time to draw attention to the constant need for blood. Every 60 seconds, someone in Canada needs blood or a blood product. In many cases, it can take an entire community of people to save just one life. Car accident victims may require as many as 50 units of blood, while some cancer patients count on as many as eight units a week. Canadian Blood Services is calling on communities to rally together to save lives.
For Weyburn residents, that opportunity will come next week. A Blood Donor Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Assiniboia Park Elementary School.
