Some people, as a result of seeing our page, have begun to donate blood. Some have become faithful donors.  Others have decided to be marrow donors or to support other similar causes.  Once, some even volunteered to translate our page into English free of charge.  Right now we’re available in many countries: we have visitors from the United States, France, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and even Burkina Faso.

Now we want to take another step forward. With this in mind, we have joined Teaming.net.  An online platform for small donations, where people can support causes like ours with a symbolic quantity of one euro a month.  In this way, we can continue doing our work of encouraging people to make gestures of solidarity like donating blood or being a marrow donor, in order to unite forces so that illnesses like Bernat’s are researched and receive more funding, and so that we are able to make more materials available to more people.

If you want to help us, we would be very grateful.  We would love it if you would help to support our Teaming.net group, in whatever form possible: giving one euro a month or any other contribution to the cause.

With all of your help, ElPetitBernat will continue to grow.

We, as ambassadors, have the fortune of forming part of this great family. Bernat’s health has improved greatly, and he has enjoyed everything that has been done for him. The marathon began with hundreds of red balloons being released into the sky.

We would like to thank all of the people that made this special day possible; there were as many donors as there were recipients, organizers, volunteers, and authorities present at the event. Luckily, there was a ton. But we don’t want to forget anyone! Because of this, we can only give love and thanks from our hearts to each and every person who attended. We encourage people who are considering donating blood to do so in the future to help this beautiful and unique cause.

The interview, hosted by Núria Solé and Cristina Macías, lasted about 20 minutes. Together with Enric Contreras (Coordinator of the Central Territories Blood and Tissue Bank), we were able to speak a little bit about Bernat and the history of his illness. Most importantly we were able to discuss the importance of the Blood Donation Marathon, the excellent work of the Blood and Tissue Bank, and to give a message of gratitude to all of those who donate blood.

Many thanks to Núria y Cristina for the opportunity given to us and for the fantastic broadcasting of the cause.

For this reason, Bernat has participated in the emotional campaign “The Fate of Donating Blood” (the featured video) made by our friends at the Blood and Tissue Bank of Catalonia.

This year, the marathon was accompanied by the slogan, “The Luck of Giving Blood.” Those in charge wanted 7,000 extra donations during the Christmas period to add to the low amount of existing reserves. Another point of emphasis is that apart from being able to make donations to major hospitals, the town hall of Barcelona had 5 bloodmobiles on loan that were stationed in the Cataluna Plaza Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 from 10 am – 9 pm. During the day there were many activities and entertainment run by magnificent volunteers.

In the ceremonies, there were also representatives from the Blood and Tissue Bank for whom we have a very special appreciation for. Also, there were members of the Red Cross and the association of blood donors. They were presenting what are called “ambassadors” that are dedicated to spreading the marathon through social networks. Until now, this group was made up of blood donors, but this year it was also partially made up of people who are or who have been blood recipients. And we have had the privilege of being a part of it.

Finally, we want to say thanks for the ceremony in the Barcelona Town Hall, and for giving us an opportunity to be able to explain Bernat’s case and to give thanks to the generous blood donors. Also, to give thanks to the Blood and Tissue Bank for all of the marvelous work that they have done.

Signing up for the marathon is very easy, and you can help save lives at http://www.maratodonants.cat/ And remember that other ways to help are to spread awareness on social networks and to talk about the need for blood donors, so as to follow the campaign. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Like other occasions, Bernat is going to be at the event. He will be there to show how important it is to receive frequent blood transfusions. We would be very happy if we could make more people aware of the importance of blood donations.

Click here to read the entire article.

The report informed people about Bernat and his disease of Pyruvate Kinase deficiency, and it also highlighted the importance of having plenty of donors to help those in need, especially in the holiday season when donations usually aren’t as frequent.

This past Saturday, on the radio program Friends and Acquaintances, Bernat and a Pyruvate Kinase Deficit were the protagonists of a fantastic report carried out by Sergi Bassolas. During the ten minute program, the listeners learned about Bernat’s history, his ailment, and the importance of donating blood for those in need.

We want to thank Dr. Albert Català​​​​​​, Bernat’s doctor at San Joan de Déu, and Enrique Contreras, coordinator of the Blood and Tissue Bank, for their contribution to the report. Of course, we would also like to thank Sergi Bassolas for his heartfelt report, and the esteemed Silvia Tarragona, presenter and director of the program.

You can listen to the whole program at the website of RNE.

On Thursday, Rosa M. Bosch and her photographer, Llibert Teixidó, came to visit at our house for an interview and to learn more about Bernat. In a casual interview, we explained Bernat’s illness, all of our assumptions, fears, frustrations, and of course our eternal gratitude for all of the blood donors who have helped us move forward. In the mean time, Bernat was playing with his toy trains and becoming friends with Llibert.

In the article, they emphasized the importance of donating blood and talked about the future of #GivingTuesday, a fantastic initiative that contributes to the cause. We hope that you like the article, and we want to thank Rosa and Llibert for their great dedication and sympathy, and once again, we want to thank all of the anonymous donors that save the lives of Bernat and many others every day.