Mum’s determination to save daughter sparks ‘global movement’ to help end blood shortages

Kate Fisher’s unwavering determination to save her seven-year-old daughter Marleigh has sparked a global movement advocating to end critical blood shortages in Australia and abroad. 

When Marleigh was just three years old, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that changed everything for the Fisher family.

Autoimmune encephalitis and epilepsy threatened Marleigh’s life, causing prolonged and debilitating seizures.

But regular intravenous immunoglobulin infusions made from human plasma became her lifeline, and helped get her get well again.

Marleigh is no longer on a regular treatment protocol, but will be dependent on Australian blood donors for life due to the high risk of relapse.

Now, her mum is on a mission to encourage more people to donate.

Kate’s call to action

When donating blood products through Lifeblood, it is possible to donate as part of team, with contributions counting towards the team’s tally.

In 2021, at the height of Marleigh’s need for help and with the pandemic affecting blood donations, Ms Fisher created the powerful podcast, Milkshakes for Marleigh.

Milkshakes for Marleigh was named after the Lifeblood donors group that supported Marleigh, and saved her life by giving their blood.

The podcast shares compelling stories of blood donors and recipients, illustrating the profound impact of donations.

She said the podcast allowed recipients to thank blood donors for giving and prolonging their lives.

“We’ve now saved over 5,000 Australian lives [thanks to] people who have donated to the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team,” Ms Fisher said.

Global recognition

Ms Fisher recently travelled to London to receive the prestigious Women Changing the World Global Summit and Awards’ bronze trophy.

The global accolade celebrates Ms Fisher’s transformative role in advocating for blood and plasma donations, highlighting her exceptional work in the Emerging Woman of the Year category. 

She also received two silver awards at the National AusMumpreneur Awards, where her persistence in overcoming the odds and building a global brand was recognised.

And this month, she will speak at TEDx Brisbane about the importance of blood donation.

Determined to reach a broader audience, Ms Fisher is set to release her first book, due shelves before Christmas.

“It will be a collection of Aussie tales of survival, thanks to blood donors,” she said.

‘One in three Aussies will need blood’

Reflecting on her achievements, Ms Fisher said the recognition was humbling.

“What I had underestimated was that my message of the importance of blood donation translates all around the world,” she said.

“One in three Aussies will need blood in their lifetime and yet only one in 30 people donate.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood communications manager Belinda Smetioukh said Ms Fisher’s journey was one of resilience and triumph, and also a reminder of the extraordinary change that one person could make.

She said the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team had become a symbol of compassion and the power of community action.

“Kate has ignited a movement that’s saving lives and offering hope to countless families facing similar challenges,” Ms Smetioukh said.

“The podcast shines a light on the importance on blood and plasma donations to her audience.”

Every week Lifeblood requires 33,000 donations to meet demand.

“The need for donations never takes a break,” Ms Smetioukh said.

To make a blood donation as part of the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team, call 13 14 95.