**Ashley Park: From Cancer Survivor to Blood Donation Advocate**
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Actress Ashley Park, known for her role in *Emily in Paris*, credits her survival after a serious battle with acute myeloid leukaemia to the generosity of blood donors. The star openly acknowledges that she “wouldn’t be here today” without the countless individuals who donated blood during her arduous treatment. At just 15 years old, Park faced a life-threatening situation that required intense medical intervention.
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, Park’s journey was both challenging and isolating. The aggressive nature of the disease necessitated immediate and extensive treatment; her medical regimen included six rounds of chemotherapy complemented by near-daily blood and platelet transfusions. In reflection, she stated, “My treatment called for really all of your cells being killed within your body, including the cancer cells. So really the only way to rebuild my body was through blood donations.”
Park spent nearly a year receiving treatment in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she underwent the grueling process of chemotherapy. During this time, she faced significant isolation, recalling, “I was really isolated for about eight months. But I realised my only interaction with other people was through blood transfusions.” Through the support of hundreds, if not thousands, of anonymous donors, Park acknowledges that her recovery was made possible. “I can say very tangibly, I wouldn’t be here today if it had not been for them,” she emphasised.
Grateful for the gift she received through donations, Park has now channeled her experiences into a campaign to encourage blood donation, in partnership with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference. This initiative, aptly named “We Give Blood,” aims to stimulate blood donations within the community and raise awareness about the national blood shortage. As an alumna of the University of Michigan, she carries a unique connection to the campaign, which has transformed into a friendly competition among the 18 universities in the Big Ten Conference. The university that secures the most blood donations by 4th December will be awarded a grant of £1 million.
Park’s first-hand experience with blood donation has propelled her to advocate for younger generations to participate. She expressed her belief that the friendly rivalry of the Big Ten schools could inspire students to contribute, stating, “What an incredible cause to use that spirit for.” Underlining the critical need for blood donors, she noted that a significant proportion—25%—of current blood donors are over the age of 65.
“This competition leads to so many young people donating for the first time and building this donor base for the next decades to come,” she remarked. Park also highlighted the importance of tangible actions in the face of serious health issues, asserting, “I think everybody has been affected in some way, if not personally, by cancer or critical illnesses. And I think that it’s hard sometimes to feel like, what can I do tangibly?”
She passionately advocates for blood donation as a vital way for people to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. “It takes a lot to be able to give part of yourself and not know the face or who it’s going to,” she explained. Park describes this act of giving as “generosity that is life-saving,” which deeply resonates with her own experience.
During her discussions about the campaign, Park has expressed her desire to be a visible advocate for blood donation, ensuring that donors understand the real impact of their contributions. “Before I found out about this campaign, candidly, I hadn’t even thought about all of those people who had helped save my life,” she shared. This newfound awareness offers her a profound sense of gratitude.
“Understanding that people took 10 minutes out of their day just to give part of themselves to me, even if they would never know that it came to me, means a lot,” Park reflected. As she continues to share her story, her hope is to inspire others to take part in blood donation, reminding them that their actions have the power to save lives.
Ashley Park’s journey from a cancer patient to a prominent voice for blood donation highlights not only the significance of individual contributions but also the profound connections that exist within communities. Through her partnership with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference, she is fostering a culture of giving that can potentially transform the current blood shortage crisis into a chance for collective healing and hope.