Why donate plasma? Here’s an answer in just three words: Aimee, Woody and Logan.
All are patients who live with rare and serious diseases and depend upon plasma-based treatments. Here’s what they had to say to those who donate plasma, the straw-colored component of blood, that contains important proteins.
Aimee G. from Las Vegas uses plasma therapies to treat her primary immunodeficiency, which is a rare, chronic condition in which part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.
“Before receiving a therapy made from plasma, I had a fear of leaving the house because that could mean possibly getting sick and even ending up in the hospital,” Aimee said. “Now, I don’t have that fear and can enjoy my friends and going out, thanks to people who donate plasma."
Woody H. from Houston, Texas also lives with a primary immunodeficiency and says that donors are his “front-line responders” that keep him alive.
“Before treatment, I used to get frequent recurring bacterial infections in my sinuses and lungs. I was diagnosed when I was 33, and I can safely say that without plasma-based therapies I would not be alive today,” Woody said.
Logan R., a teen who lives in Georgia, lives with a bleeding disorder that limits his participation in sports, but he’s a Boy Scout, enjoys video games and time with family. Logan plans to pursue nursing.
“I do not know what I would do without having medicines made from plasma,” he said. “Think about the life-changing difference you are making for someone. Plasma donation is an amazing act of love and kindness.”
Alfred A., a plasma donor and a U.S. Army veteran, says he decided to donate plasma after a fellow soldier suffered burns and needed a plasma infusion.
“Plasma was one of his many treatments,” Alfred said. “The impact that had on me is that you never really think of the importance of donating until something happens to you or someone you care about who ends up needing a plasma-based therapy.”
