Diagnosed with the disease in May 2007, Mr Rosee has had 12 whole blood transfusions, 16 platelet transfusions and a full bone marrow stem cell transplant.

The Cardiff resident said he relied on donors to give blood so he could live.

“It saved my life, the blood was a life force, nothing could replace it,” Mr Rosee said.

He spent a lot of time at the Mater Hospital receiving blood transfusions and was sent to Westmead Hospital to receive a bone marrow transplant.

Mr Rosee, 28, has been recovering from the disease for a year now and has just return-ed to work as a train signaller.

He said even though he was doing okay now, he has not forgotten what aided him in his leukemia battle.

“The message I want to get out there is that leukemia affects you physically, mentally and financially,” he said.

“But I know that if it wasn’t for all the blood transfusions I had received during my treat-ment, I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today.”

Mr Rosee said his family and friends have started to give blood after seeing the major role it played in his survival.

“People need to understand what can be done with the blood,” he said.

“It’s used for so many things and turned into many blood products.”

Have you donated yet?

For more information or to donate blood go to www.donateblood.com.au or phone 13 14 95.