Four-year-old Luke Feist was running around barefoot Monday, thanking everyone donating at a blood donor clinic for helping save his life.
Luke has one of just six reported cases in Canada of Factor V deficiency, an essential component for blood clotting.
His mother, Jennifer, said Luke’s condition is “one in a million.” His blood doesn’t clot so he has to literally get a blood transfusion every time he gets minor injuries like a cut lip or bitten tongue and as a preventative measure before any medical procedure.
Darryl Feist, Luke’s dad, says it is always a constant worry for the family since Luke is such an active boy.
“At times, it’s very nerve-racking … (even) corners of the tables and jumping off the furniture,” he said. “He’s (four) and he wants to play, run and jump.”
Luke’s parents said they are grateful to blood donors for their life-saving gift as their son will need blood for the rest of his life.
“Thank you for donating your blood,” Luke told Sydney Doberstein, 20, who was donating at the Oak Street blood clinic.
Doberstein said she became a blood donor last year and has made four donations already.
“I’ve never met anybody like Luke before,” she said. “It’s pretty special, and (seeing him) makes me feel really good for doing this.”
