PHOENIX — Jaziel Olmeda is a three-time leukemia survivor. He said the blood donations he received were crucial during his cancer treatments.
“I’ve received a total of 135 blood donations, platelets and plasma,” said Olmeda. “These blood products are what ultimately say, ‘you can go ahead with your treatment plan’ or in some cases what surgeries are planned for them.”
He is 10 years cancer-free. Inspired by his health challenges, he is now realizing his dream as a pediatric oncology nurse – a dream come true thanks to the generosity of others.
On Monday, he got to meet some of the donors who helped save his life – including Michael Hashimoto who’s donated over 300 times to Arizona patients.
“It’s making me emotional now, again. Just knowing something I did taking a couple of hours out of my day can save somebody’s life. I mean, that is huge,” said Hashimoto.
David Miller said it’s like passing it forward – now Olmeda is helping other cancer patients.
“To see the impact Jaziel is going to have in his life that you’ve been able to, not just give him life, he’s able to help so many others,” said Miller.
The holiday season is when blood donations are at their lowest because of vacation times and winter breaks. So Vitalant in partnership with Streets of New York is encouraging folks to donate while the need is great. Fulfilling that need may extend the life of someone like Olmeda.
“A lot of our treatments depend on the right blood counts and without them. I wouldn’t be here. So, thank you,” said Olmeda.
If you would like to donate, visit https://www.vitalant.org/
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.