On October 14 this year, Mario Fernandes celebrated not just his 50th birthday but also a milestone that few can claim—his 100th blood donation. For more than three decades, Mario has been selflessly donating blood, driven by a simple yet profound belief: saving lives is the greatest gift one can give. As he sets his sights on continuing this mission until the age of 65, the upper age limit for blood donation, his story serves as an inspiration to many.
A Legacy of Giving
Mario began donating blood at the age of 18 and has never looked back. Over the years, his passion has only deepened, leading him to establish the Goa Blood Donation Association—a network of dedicated donors who coordinate with hospitals, blood banks, and patients in dire need of blood, plasma, and platelets.
Today, Mario primarily donates platelets, a crucial component that can be given to patients irrespective of their blood type. Unlike whole blood donation, which can be done every three months, platelet donation can be done every 15 days. The process, which takes about two hours, involves extracting platelets while returning the remaining blood components to the donor. Yet, despite the longer procedure, Mario finds fulfillment in knowing that his contributions directly impact lives.
Health and Wellness Through Blood Donation
Far from being just an act of charity, Mario believes that his commitment to regular blood donation has played a key role in maintaining his own health. Strong and energetic, he has even scaled Himalayan peaks as high as 14,000 feet. His secret? A disciplined lifestyle—no alcohol or smoking, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, and lean meats, all carefully chosen to maintain optimal iron and hemoglobin levels.
“I don’t feel deprived,” he says with a smile. “Abstaining from unhealthy habits is a small price to pay to be able to give someone the gift of life. Life offers so many joys—music, dance, food, and travel—I don’t miss out on anything.”
A Childhood Steeped in Kindness
Born and raised in Mumbai, Mario spent his formative years living next door to Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s leading cancer treatment centers. His family often opened their doors to patients requiring long-term care, instilling in him a deep sense of empathy.
“My mother taught me and my older brother Nelson to grab every opportunity to help others,” he recalls. “She believed kindness has a domino effect—if we make a difference in someone’s life today, they will pass that kindness forward.”
Going the Extra Mile
Mario’s selflessness was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. While running a pharmacy in Mapusa, he delivered medicines and essentials to those unable to leave their homes, transported the elderly to hospitals, and even helped arrange beds and oxygen cylinders for critical patients. In the process, he contracted Covid-19 three times but never wavered in his commitment to serve others.
His natural flair for sales—having excelled in selling everything from tyres for MRF to pharmaceutical drugs for Novartis and insurance for Max Life—is now channeled into a cause far greater than commerce. He is a passionate advocate for blood donation, constantly urging people to step up and contribute.
The Power of a Single Donation
“If more people donated blood regularly, especially those with rare blood types, thousands of lives could be saved,” he emphasizes. “It’s shocking that some people refuse to donate even for their own relatives, despite being the perfect match.”
For Mario, blood transcends all barriers—race, religion, caste, and creed. “People who might otherwise hesitate to interact with those from different backgrounds suddenly realize their common humanity when they need a blood transfusion,” he says with a knowing smile.
A Call to Action
Mario Fernandes’ journey is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have. His unwavering dedication to blood donation has not only saved countless lives but has also inspired many to follow in his footsteps. As he continues his mission, he leaves behind a powerful message: giving blood isn’t just about donation—it’s about uniting humanity, one drop at a time.