The Floating Blood Bank That “Takes All Types”

Millions of people around the world owe their lives to individuals they will never meet — people who donate their blood to help others. But volunteer crew members onboard the world’s largest charity hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, work just minutes away from the patients who receive their “gift of life” every day in West Africa.

Blood donor, Nurse Danita Gilbert, from Peterborough, Ontario recently returned from Douala, Cameroon on June 2nd where she was part of a crew who not only gave their time and skills, but also their blood to help save lives.

“It is very strange giving blood one day, then taking care of the patient who received it the next. Seeing my name in their chart, on their transfusion form, it felt very odd and so opposite of how very anonymously things are done here in Canada. The patient never knew about it. I knew, though, that I was not just caring for this person, but had had a much more direct impact on their outcome,” Danita tells us.

Danita gave blood during her time onboard the hospital ship to patients like 35-year-old Djenabou, from Douala, Cameroon who needed extra for life-saving surgery to remove a huge tumour from her neck.

Djenabou’s goiter began as a small lump on her neck and slowly progressed to a large mass constricting her airways. For 18 years it grew, making breathing continuously difficult and causing regular bouts of painful coughing. When Djenabou discovered Mercy Ships, her life changed drastically. Thanks to the ship’s walking blood bank, and four blood donors, Djenabou’s free surgery was a success.

The blood bank onboard is not stored in a refrigerator in neatly labeled packages for days or weeks. Instead, the 400-person volunteer crew sign up to give blood on demand to help patients being treated in one of the five state-of-the-art operating rooms onboard the floating hospital that sails to a different West African port every year. The laboratory onboard compares the patient blood samples, which are taken and tested upon admission, with the potential crew donors. Crew members are contacted as needed and can be asked at any time day or night to give a pint. Often, the donation, still warm, is walked straight over to the patient.

“All of the crew members, not just the blood donors, not just the surgeons, not just the nurses, but the engineers, the cooks, the chaplains, the HR team…everyone contributes to the moment a patient sees themselves once their bandages are removed,” Danita says of the life-changing moment each patient experiences after surgery.

With the help of Mercy Ships’ floating blood bank, the medical crew onboard the Africa Mercy impacted more than 35,000 people through the hospital ship’s services during its 10-month stay in Cameroon!

Other Blog Posts

Diacko: The Courage to Trust

As we approach the close of this year, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges and trials faced by so many, especially those who have experienced profound loss. This season, while we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let’s also remember those who are still suffering, those who have lost their way, and those who have lost their faith in a better tomorrow.
During this holiday season, we invite you to join us in this mission of compassion, faith, and renewal.
Your generosity can make a real and lasting impact.

Teneng and Ibrahima: Gifts from God

This Christmas season, let’s come together as a community of faith and support to bring restoration to people who have lost so much. Mercy Ships Canada is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of Children and adults in need. Your gift, rooted in faith, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people. Your support will bring back smiles, health, and faith to children and adults who have suffered for far too long. Donate today and make this Christmas truly meaningful.

Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile

At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.

Aissatou Finds Healing

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the immense power of faith and the importance of giving back to those in need. This Christmas, you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope, healing and transformation for those who need it most.
Your support this Christmas will not only change lives but also reaffirm the spirit of giving and faith. Join us in spreading love, hope, and healing.
Make a donation today, and together, we can transform the lives of people who have lost so much.

Grateful Hearts-Thank you message from Darryl Anderson

Our journey continues, and we’re excited to have you by our side as we embark on new adventures of compassion and change.

Face-to-Face after Decades: Catherine and Aly Reunite on the Global Mercy

The last time Catherine Conteh saw the deeply familiar smile in front of her in Freetown, it was under dramatically different circumstances. Learn more about Aly’s act of kindness!