Oleksandr Nesterienko, a metal heater in the hot rolling shop at Zaporizhstal and a dedicated blood donor, has been giving blood every three months for over 15 years. What motivates this young man from Zaporizhzhia? Read on to find out.
“People have asked for blood for maternity wards, for surgeries. I’ve never turned anyone down; I always agree on the first call. This isn’t just my personal stance; it’s also a common practice here at Zaporizhstal, where donating blood is well-established,” shares Oleksandr.
Having completed over 55 donations and given more than 20 liters of blood, Oleksandr holds the title of Honored Donor of Ukraine. However, he’s not planning to stop there. He believes that donating blood is a small gesture with a big impact.
“My goal is to donate blood 100 times and earn the title of Merited Donor of Ukraine. Of course, the title isn’t the main thing. What matters most is helping those in need,” explains Oleksandr.
Donations are critically important, especially now, as medical professionals emphasize, since they save the lives of our defenders.
“We need donors every day, particularly those with Rh-negative blood. While there is a need for all blood types, Rh-negative is especially scarce. This demand is constant,” says Olena BOLOVINOVA, head of the Regional Blood Service Center.
It’s worth noting that Oleksandr Nesterienko has been volunteering since the early days of the war, alongside colleagues from Metinvest enterprises. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he and his team met displaced persons, provided shelter, organized meals, assisted with clothing, and helped with documentation issues.
To recharge, Oleksandr enjoys walking around the city, swimming in the Dnipro River during the summer, and playing sports, particularly basketball.
Oleksandr says he will continue to help people as long as he can. After all, only through collective efforts can we overcome the Russian occupiers.
“I want to thank our Armed Forces, the State Emergency Service, doctors, volunteers – everyone who cares and helps our guys defeat this Russian menace,” says Oleksandr.
