Mandy McCracken became unwell with what she thought was the flu. Within days she would be in an Intensive Care Unit fighting for her life from Sepsis which would progressively attempt to destroy her body. It was miracle that Mandy survived. Sepsis resulted in the amputation of all of Mandy's limbs but blood donors saved her life.  Mandy joins us to share her stoic and pragmatic version of what its like to be on the edge of life and then to carve out a new life as a quad amputee. You can find Mandy's Podcast "Look Mum, no hands" here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/your-local-stories-idpwd/quad-amputee-mum-daughter-move-city-idpwd-ep1/13642422 Information about Get Started Disability Support can be found here: https://www.mandyandrodmccracken.com/about-3  

Hugh Van Culenberg hates being described as a self help guru, wellness coach or motivational speaker. But he is proud to be described as a blood donor.  Hugh is the Founder and Director of The Resillience Project which has supported hundreds or thousands of Australians to happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). He is also the co-host of The Imperfects Podcast alongside his brother Josh and comedian Ryan Shelton.  Hugh has loved many people who have needed blood products and he hopes that after today people understand that a blood donation can save 3 lives; that around 1 in 4 people will need blood products in their lifetime but only 1 in 30 eligible Australians donate blood.  You can buy Hugh's books and find our more about The Resilience Project here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/shop/ The Imperfects Podcast is available on all major platforms. 

Like Marleigh, Kylie Miller will be dependant on Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion (IVIG) for the rest of her life to treat her Multifocal Motor Neuropathy. She shares her experience of arriving at hospital for her treatment only to be turned away as not enough people had donated blood and her medication wasn't able to me made. This episode gives so much context and meaning to the phrase we hear so often in the media of "critical blood shortage".  Kylie has gone on to do so many amazing things with her life and make so many contributions to Australian society that would not have been possible without Australian blood donors preserving and improving the quality of her life. She join us today to say thank you.  You can find Kylie's books here: https://www.kyliemiller.com.au  

Adem Crosby may have died from Leukaemia in his teens, but he left an incredible mark on the world during his short time on this earth. Through the work of Team Adem, his parents Brent and Lu honour his dying wishes of continued blood donation advocacy and supporting children and their families impacted by cancer.  You can find our more about the work of Team Adem here: https://teamadem.com.au    

Language warning - this one is a bit chaotic and a bit sweary! Libby Trickett needs no introduction. She is an olympic gold medalist swimmer and has beaten the GOAT Michael Phelps in the pool. She is an author, mental health advocate and podcasting queen. She's an Australian icon.  Lib has teamed up with the incredible Paula Hindle, who is an Integrative Health Coach and Physiotherapist. Together they have founded Unlocking Her Potential, and they are on a mission of sprinkling health, joy, positivity and love! Through Unlocking Her Potential, Lib and Paula encourage participants of their Rise Up Program to engage in acts of service and they suggest blood donation. A simple, free and life changing gift that will save the lives of fellow Australians.  Our daughter Marleigh is still alive today because of these incredible selfless gifts.  You can find Unlocking Her Potential here: https://unlockingherpotential.com.au You can find Libby's book Beneath the Surface, here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/beneath-the-surface-libby- Libbys podcasts are called All that Glitters & The Sport Social. https://open.spotify.com/show/2KnmOahZzxpHpla6HI6Ia5?si=bedb422c587e474c https://open.spotify.com/show/5vzg1YJAaMjjsjPilr8Q4s?si=b814c9eb61804350 Libby and I are gratefully supported in our podcasting pursuits by strozkiy media  

Sybylla "Byll" Stephen, is one half of of the entertainment phenomenon that its Teeny Tiny Stevies. She is a singer, songwriter, author and a blood donor.  The music of The Teeny Tiny Stevies has been Marleigh's constant companion through her treatment for Autoimmune Encephalitis and has kept her entertained through many a night of the insomnia that is a residual side effect of her treatment.  Kate and Byll chat about the importance of music in childhood development and the magic of music in play therapy. Byll encourages Australian's to book an appointment to donate blood.  You can find The Teeny Tiny Stevies here: https://www.teenytinystevies.com/live-shows To make an appointment to donate blood call 13 14 95 or visit: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood    

Rachael Casella is a blood donor and mother of Mackenzie, who was a blood product recipient. Mackenzie received a fatal diagnosis of the rare genetic neuromuscular disorder, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) when she was just 10 weeks old. Mackenzie passed away when she was 7 months old. She received blood products during her final days. Following Mackenzie's diagnosis, Rachael became a fierce advocate for genetic carrier screening and for ensuring that prospective parents are provided with information and choices for their family planning through Mackenzie's Mission. https://www.mackenziesmission.org.au You can find Rachael's book Mackenzie Mission here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/mackenzie-s-mission-rachael-casella/book/9781760527457.html To make an appointment to donate blood please call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 and ask for your donation to be added to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or book online at: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation  

Are you a Carer? Are you a Bereaved Carer?  Emma Madsen, Founder of the Carers Club, joins me to talk about how she supports Carers. Emma self describes as a Bereaved Carer, a term that she coined to described the identity of someone who was previously a carer for someone who has passed away.  Despite many failed attempts, Emma is what Id call an "attempted blood donor" & while she hasn't been able to offer her blood to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team, today she offers her story and her platforms to promote the importance of blood donation.  You can find all the information about The Carers Club on her social by the same name or at: https://www.thecarersclub.com.au To make an appoint to donate blood please call 13 14 95 and we would love it if you added you donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team! Booking can also be made here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation  

In recent weeks David Mead has retired from his professional rugby league career and in his retirement he is championing the importance of blood donation.  David came from very humble beginnings in Papua New Guinea, moving to Australia at the age of 12 with an Aunt, he had limited English but big dreams. In this episode David thanks the people who helped him to achieve Rugby League stardom.  David has seen friends babies need blood products to survive, he's had a premature baby in Neonatal Intensive Care and he has been inspired by Marleigh's story. In this episode he thanks blood donors and joins The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team.  To hear more from David you can find him on his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OQ08DJCvNa00zM6iwlFSL?si=9d56f70188f24cd5 In this episode I reference his chat with Libby Tricket on her Podcast, All that glitters: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Gu1sb9zDu3Ye8K3u5ZNaS?si=f20acb4edd544dbb To make a donation to donate blood please call 13 14 95 and ask for you donation to be registered to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or register here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation?gclid=CjwKCAjwu5yYBhAjEiwAKXk_eIFYH02UGDMtpmrpR0hTOYLg5L95dIzpanRh-xarNCqTDLQxR6iImxoCACoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds  

Blood donor Danielle was just 24 when she lost her partner Jake to brain cancer, at the age of 27. Prior to Jake's diagnosis of Glioblastoma, they had just got a puppy and were looking forward to spending their lives together. Heartbreakingly, they didn't even get to celebrate another Christmas together. Jake received blood blood products during his cancer treatment, which improved his quality of life during his final chapter.  Danielle makes beautiful jewellery for her business Crystal meets Pearl. She donates the profits to brain cancer research to help other with brain cancer. https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PearlMeetsCrystal Danielle donates her profits to The Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to give Australians with Glioblastoma the gift of hope and time. You can find more information here: https://www.curebraincancer.org.au/home To make and appointment to donate for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team call 13 14 95 or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood