Children like Joey need plasma to survive - but Australia needs more

The mother of a little boy whose life depends on plasma for an extremely rare bleeding disorder - found in only one in a million people – is urging Australians to donate, as demand for the liquid gold part of blood reaches record levels.  

Two-year-old Joey is the only child in Australia with severe Factor V deficiency who requires regular plasma treatment to prevent life-threatening internal bleeding. 

“Plasma is his entire life,” Joey’s mum, Alexandria, said. “He’s able to be a rambunctious little toddler because of it. Without plasma, even a simple fall could be catastrophic.” 

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling for thousands of new plasma donors to help meet soaring demand—including among vulnerable patients in children’s hospitals, where 45,000 plasma medications and transfusions are needed each year. 

The call coincides with International Plasma Awareness Week (6-10 October), with plasma now the most needed type of blood donation in Australia and a record 17,500 bags required every week.  

Lifeblood Executive Director Strategy and Growth Stuart Chesneau said demand is being driven by medical advances, with plasma used to treat more than 50 acute and chronic conditions. 

“Australia is one of the top three users of plasma medications per capita in the world. Yet fewer than one per cent of Australians donate plasma, even though we estimate more than 10 million are eligible,” Stuart said. 

“We need 900 extra plasma donors every day this month to help meet demand and support patients like Joey.” 
Diagnosed at just four months old, Joey receives plasma through a surgically implanted port in his chest—treatment that allows him to live a mostly normal life.

“Joey is truly one in a million,” Dr Sally Campbell, Paediatric Haematologist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, said. “Without plasma, he faces the risk of serious internal bleeding, including into his brain. Access to donor plasma has been life-changing for him and his family.”

“We are incredibly privileged in Australia to have such generous plasma donors. Plasma is a powerful product—and for patients like Joey, it’s absolutely essential.” 

Across Australia, thousands of children rely on plasma. It contains antibodies that protect those with weakened immune systems. It also has proteins that can stop blood loss, support cancer patients through treatment, and prevent serious complications in pregnancy. 

Lifeblood supplies more than 6,500 plasma medicines and transfusions to hospitals every day. Plasma can be donated every two weeks, making it one of the most impactful ways to support the health of others. 

“If you’ve ever considered donating, now is the time to find your reason to save a life,” Stuart said. 

To book a plasma donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.