Veteran donors 'pass the baton' to a new generation of donors at Hemopa

There are donors who have dedicated decades of their lives to the act of saving lives through blood donation. Now, close to turning 70 — the age limit for the procedure — these true pillars of solidarity are beginning to say goodbye to the collection rooms, but not without leaving an important legacy: the mission to "pass the baton" to a new generation.

For the social worker at the Hemopa Foundation, Cida Salgado, this moment is more than a farewell; it is a tribute. “It is the moment to thank our volunteer donors. These are people who contributed with health and goodwill. Now, with the end of the age allowed to donate, they take on a fundamental role as multipliers, indicating family and friends to continue this gesture. The doors of Hemopa will always be open for them, who cease to be just donors to become recruiters,” she emphasized.

An example of this cycle of solidarity is civil engineer Raimundo Lourinho, 69, who has over 40 years as a volunteer donor. His first donation was motivated by a family emergency and turned into a continuous commitment. Now, about to end his journey as a donor, he chose his neighbor Daniel Leal, 34, a nurse and physics teacher, to continue his mission.

“I know he will fulfill what he promises, that’s why I chose him,” Raimundo said. Daniel received the responsibility with enthusiasm: “He was a donor before me and now he is passing this mission. I want to honor this legacy,” he assured.

Another example of this bond between generations is Rafael Rosa, a student who decided to become a donor after an invitation from Joan Alves, an Air Force military member who is also about to retire from donations.

“I became interested of my own accord. I consider it a very important cause,” Rafael highlighted, advocating for more publicity to increase the number of donors. “Just come, register, and help. If they promoted it more in schools and other spaces, more people would donate,” he suggested.

Having donated for almost 50 years, Joan leaves a simple but powerful message: “Donating blood is a simple gesture, but it can save lives and needs to be multiplied.”

Service: Hemopa will hold a special program this Saturday (14) in honor of World Blood Donor Day, from 8 am to 5 pm, at the institution's headquarters (Avenida Serzedelo Corrêa, corner with Rua dos Caripunas, in Belém).

Text: Felipe Borges (intern) under the supervision of Aline Seabra - Ascom/Hemopa