Ordinary Mom Delivers Extraordinary Gift of Life
BROOKWATER, Australia. Corinne Heapy, a devoted mother of two, knows firsthand, what it’s like to give the gift of life. She’s heroically donated blood on several occasions for her children who were diagnosed with an extremely rare disease called Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
Despite her heroism, Mrs. Heapy’s eight-year-old son, Connor, lost his battle from CVID a few years ago. It was also during this time, that her daughter, Georgia (pictured left) was diagnosed with CVID after a series of tests by a specialist. But instead of giving up, Mrs. Heapy and her daughter have persevered. Today, thanks to an immunoglobulin infusion that is administered twice weekly, Georgia is able to live her life in full.
“It is really a lifesaving product for Georgia,” Mrs. Heapy said. “She’s now at high school and is a state swimmer, so for her to just be healthy and happy is amazing.”
Mrs. Heapy is a firm believer in donating blood—especially for loved ones, and she encourages people to at least consider making a donation because, “a donation can save three lives.”
For people who are in good health and between the ages of 16-70, contact your local Red Cross Association to learn if you are a blood donor candidate.
- For the U.S., visit American Red Cross
- For Australia, visit Donate Blood
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. With over 17 million volunteers, it serves 150 million people in 189 National Societies.
Feeling inspired to save a life? Take Patient Worthy’s Quiz How much do you know about blood and donating it?
