A Logan City woman has called out on social media for help to find a rare antibody needed for what would be a life saving blood transfusion for her sister, and has had hundreds of community members wanting to help.
Allisha Pepe said after a routine checkup on Monday, November 9, her sister Saunoa Motuga was contacted by Logan Hospital.
“Her blood levels were low and she needed to return to the hospital but to stay a few nights,” Ms Pepe said.
“She was told she needed a blood transfusion but she has a rare type of antibody.”
Ms Pepe said her rare antibody is known as: Jk3 specifically antigen (Jka-/Jkb-).
“The Red Cross registry shows one match, from Sydney,” she said.
“Doctors advised a 2-3 week delay and if they’re able to source a donor closer to home, that would be better.”
Ms Pepe said the Logan City public response to her social media post asking for help was overwhelming.
“So many people are willing to help. I’ve received messages and offers from a lot of people, strangers, who are of the O blood group, which is amazing,” she said.
Allisha Pepe with her family at Logan Hospital.
“It’s a step closer to what we need. From there, they need their blood screened for the Kidd blood group which will confirm a compatible match. The Red Cross doesn’t regularly screen every donor for the Kidd blood group (Jka/Jkb), nor do Polynesians commonly donate blood.
“So the more people we can encourage from the Polynesian community to donate and be tested, the greater chance of finding a compatible donor.
“I say Polynesian because as rare as this antibody is, it is more commonly found in Polynesian and Finnish ethnicities.
“But again, meaning no disrespect to Polynesians but our people generally do not donate blood.”
Ms Pepe said Logan City doctors have arranged for immediate family (siblings, her own children) to be tested.
“The aim is to test as many family members in our Gene pool. The more compatible matches we find, the more blood we have to use when needed,” Ms Pepe said.
“Doctors are trying to source the reason for my sister’s low blood levels but her underlying health conditions are a lot more complex.”
Ms Pepe said anyone local to Logan City who is willing to help:
1. Must be in the O blood group (neg or pos)
2. Have no chronic or underlying health issues or not pregnant.
3. Be able to visit their GP for a referral to be screened specifically for the Jk a-/b- antigen. If you have a referral, present it at Logan Hospital pathology.
“On behalf of my sister and our family, thank you so much for all the love, support, positive messages and encouragement,” Ms Pepe said.
“It really means so much to my sister.
“Ultimately our hope is that we find as many compatible donors as we can so please, please, visit a local Red Cross Blood Donation Centre near you and donate.
“If my sister can’t use your donation, there is always someone who can. You could be saving a life.”
