Author(s): KATE FISHER

Biography and Memoirs

If you have ever donated blood you may be responsible for one of these extraordinary tales of survival! One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime and yet only one in thirty donate it, this results in persistent critical blood shortages. For Milkshakes for Marleigh founder Kate Fisher, this is personal. Her seven-year-old daughter Marleigh will be dependent on blood products for life to treat autoimmune encephalitis. They are lifesaving when she relapses and life-preserving for every infusion in-between. Based on interviews conducted for the groundbreaking and international award-winning Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast, this book shares extraordinary tales of survival thanks to Australian blood donors. From seeing children grow up to winning world championships, creating art, advocacy work, volunteer work, falling in love, scientific and medical advances, volunteer work or simply enjoying the gift of time. Years, weeks or days spent with loved ones, gifted by the ultimate act of humanity and mateship - blood donated voluntarily for the benefit of an anonymous recipient and with no more than a post-donation snack and a milkshake in return. This book will make you deeply proud to be an Aussie and make you question which 'one in three' of your loved ones will be reliant on an anonymous stranger making a blood donation to save, prolong or improve their life. It thanks Australian blood donors and seeks to inspire new ones. AUTHOR: Kate Fisher is Australia's primary blood donation advocate. She is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning podcast host and author. She is the founder of Milkshakes for Marleigh and is on a mission to end persistent critical blood shortages in Australia and around the world.