Donors deliver a miracle to save a firefighter

You are here:

Paul and Linda are volunteers with Bonnie Doon Fire Brigade

CFA volunteer firefighter Paul Mason is alive and well today thanks to the generosity of blood donors and a perfect stem cell match.

After being diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer called myelofibrosis in 2021, the Bonnie Doon Fire Brigade 1^st Lieutenant received over 50 blood transfusions and a stem cell donation as part of his treatment.

Now Paul and his wife Linda are calling on others to roll up their sleeves and help save lives.

This comes as CFA members have under one month remaining to donate blood for this year’s Emergency Services Blood Drive.

“When Paul was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, we were told the only treatment was a stem cell transplant but because of the risks associated, it was a last resort.

“Last year he started to get very sick and was told if he didn’t have the stem cell transplant, he would have less than two years to live”.

After a long application process, Paul was approved to have the transplant, and a perfect match was found in New South Wales. He received the transplant in August last year, and after a few setbacks, it was deemed successful.

In January this year, fires impacted various parts of the state including Bonnie Doon. Despite having just learnt that his cancer had returned and he would be needing monthly chemotherapy treatments, Paul didn’t let this stop him helping out at his brigade.

Though unable to jump on the truck and fight fires himself, Paul headed to the station each day and made sure his crews and strike teams had what they needed and were looked after.

“I’m not one for just watching. I’m good at the coalface, and I could see they were struggling and needed help,” Paul said.

Linda, also a volunteer with Bonnie Doon, said his willingness to help was a testament to his community spirit.

“I think if his specialist had said ‘you can go out there and fight the fires’, he would have been on the truck,” Linda said.

“I couldn’t believe how much he was giving despite being unwell. He's got such a good constitution and a strong positive mental attitude and that, plus of course the stem cell donation, is what got him through.”

Mere months later, Paul is now officially in remission, and along with Linda is urging anyone who can donate blood and, if able, register as a stem cell donor.

“I think people often forget that donating blood is something they can do. Blood donations, and in particular stem cell donations, saved my life. I used to donate when I was younger, but without the constant reminder to donate people can forget,” Paul said.

“Registering as a stem cell donor when you’re donating blood is simple to do and could save someone’s life like mine.

“I can’t express my complete gratitude and thanks for the professionalism, passion and empathy that the nurses, doctors, and specialists displayed while I was in their care. I’ve been extremely lucky and I just can’t thank the staff at the Alfred Hospital enough”

Linda echoes Paul’s gratitude.

“Blood and stem cell donors are absolute lifesavers. Their generosity has made an incredible difference to our family and given Paul a second chance at life, and we are extremely grateful.”

To donate blood, or for more information on stem cell donation, visit lifeblood.com.au.