My Dad was many things, but one of the adjectives most used to describe him is “generous.” Dad supported those in need by consistently donating however and wherever he could: time, money, sometimes even the shoes off his feet. Blood was no exception, and Dad donated as often as possible. His blood type was O-negative, the universal donor which is so often critical in emergencies.
In 2017, Dad experienced the rapid onset of a rare blood disorder which took his life very quickly.
My Dad passed on many things to me: wisdom, eccentricities, an odd sense of humour, and perhaps most importantly, his blood type.
I am a blood donor for my Dad, John Dunsworth, in memory of his generous spirit and wonderful heart.
Editor’s note: John Dunsworth was an accomplished Canadian actor known for his many roles in film and television, including that of Jim Lahey in the hit comedy series Trailer Park Boys. For patients with his illness, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, plasma (the component of blood that makes up most of its volume) can be an important part of treatment. Learn more about plasma.
