Koroniria (Koro) Amai: Donation Hero

If the advertising slogan “Give blood, save lives” is anything to go by, Hamilton East Ward member Koroniria (Koro) Amai, of Nga Tuhoe and Ngati Kahungunu Ki Wairoa descent, is a donation hero saving lives regularly. Just last week he made his 244th blood plasma donation. Five hundred is his goal. At 51 years he has been donating half his life and never misses his fortnightly appointments at Waikato Hospital’s blood donor centre. He sits down for an hour hooked to the plasma machine while enjoying freely provided biscuits and drinks.

“People are familiar with donating blood but less so with donating plasma,” Koro explains. “Plasma can be made into eight lifesaving products.” And as it turns out, plasma from a male, yields more products than from a female. “Extra male donors are sought after because you can get more products from their plasma,” says Koro. “One of the key [products] is factor 8 for haemophiliacs as it helps their blood clot.”

Haemophiliacs are some of the main beneficiaries of plasma donation, along with cancer patients and car accident victims. Such continuous need means blood plasma is in greatest demand out of the three donated blood products. It can be donated twice monthly, as can blood platelets, as both are quickly replaced by the body. Blood donations, on the other hand, can only be made every three months.

With a calling in his ward’s Sunday School presidency, dad to five (three still at home, including a special-needs 5-year-old), and working as a student advisor for Wintec, busy Koro faithfully makes 60 minutes available fortnightly for his plasma donation. He uses the time to catch up with scripture study, listen to his favourite eighties music or to chat with the friendly blood centre staff.

Koro is passionate about recruiting other donors. “Until you or your family have a need for blood transfusions you may not think about the need for blood products, and that’s why I want to raise awareness of the need for more donations.”

Having lost his own son in a car accident four years ago and despite blood products being unable to save him, it has made Koro reflect on the lifesaving power of blood donations, literally. “That’s why I do this. Blood transfusions directly impact life quality and save lives.” Quoting Mosiah 2:17 he explains, “It’s another form of community service.” He confirms one of the blessings of donating is the strong sense of helping others. “If there is a sacrifice it’s the time and a small prick in the arm.”

There is always a need for more donors and Koro says the blessings in return make it well worth it. He has never felt any adverse effects from his regular donations and gives thanks for the Word of Wisdom for his own continued excellent health. Koro said donors need to be in good health and meet certain criteria but can be screened at their local blood donor centre for eligibility.