12/06/2025
We want to share a special recipient story for National Blood Donor Week and thank our local donors who make a difference in the lives of so many—like Arc (pictured).
At age two and a half, a L2 Neuroblastoma tumor was found on Arc’s adrenal gland. Over eight months of treatment, he required twelve red blood cell infusions and twenty-two platelet infusions. At one point, he was receiving these infusions either daily or every other day. Arc also underwent two bone marrow transplants, which required four bags of red blood cells to prime the stem cell harvesting machine for the process.
Arc’s grandad, Jon, is a Whakatāne plasma donor who travels to Tauranga to donate. Arc knows that Grandad donates “rocket fuel” (plasma), so when Arc needs “rocket fuel” (blood or platelets), his family can say it’s from his Grandad and other amazing donors. Arc can see the Sky Tower from his hospital window, and he thinks it's a rocket. When he goes for a scan and receives anesthesia, we say he's going to space in his rocket. It all ties together. 🚀❤️
