Canadian Blood Services - Staff Service Awards Ceremony

Sydney Kodatsky speaking to CBS staff

On Tuesday, September 24, 2013, Answering TTP Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Sydney Kodatsky, was asked to be the guest blood recipient speaker at the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) staff services awards ceremony, at the new state-of-the-art blood service facility in Brampton, ON . She was asked to tell her story of how blood saved her life and why blood donation is so important.

Not only did her presentation thank all CBS staff in attendance for their dedication and determination daily to ensure that clean blood products are available for patients in Canada when needed,  but she was also able to share her experience with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).

Sydney’s presentation was well received by all in attendance and helped to shed light onto a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Sydney’s story, like so many others who have battled TTP, demonstrates the importance of blood donation; she has required donations from over 600 donors since her 2008 diagnosis of TTP and subsequent relapses.

CBS Brampton, ON lab

Following Sydney’s address CBS staff members were recognized individually for their years (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30) of service. It was a lovely ceremony that showcased the dedication of CBS and their staff members to providing patients with live-saving blood and blood products. Sydney and the Answering TTP Foundation staff (me) and volunteer (Marie, Chair Walk to Answer TTP Together) who attended were honoured to be a part of the celebration.

CBS Brampton, ON lab

After the ceremony we were given a tour of the brand new facilities, where 1,200 donations of blood from approximately 12 clinical and mobile sites come daily to be tested, separated into its various components and prepared for distribution to 120 regional hospitals. We were given the unique opportunity to see the lab and watch the many dedicated technicians working tirelessly to ensure that blood donations are made safe and available for patients.

If you would like to find out about how you can donate life-saving blood or become a member of the Answering TTP Foundation Partners For Life click here.