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Thomas has a family and is an Army vet of 14 years, so he knows the importance of helping others. He caught COVID-19 early in the pandemic and very few resources available. Now that he's recovered, he wants to help anyone who needs it as he knows first hand how terrible this virus can be.
There are donors out there that we look at and say, "wow!" Marco is one of them. Typically, he volunteers once a month for the Keystone Mission in Pennsylvania. Like many others, he caught COVID-19 and recovered, but when he heard about donating plasma to help others with COVID-19, he jumped on board. He said, "I am very glad to help others...It gives me a good feeling that my efforts may improve the patients who are sufferying in the hospital as I did."
The road to COVID-19 recovery may be long for some, but it's getting shorter thanks to our generous donors. We would like to offer a special thanks to Samari, who has done his part and more by donating his plasma to help fight COVID-19!
While we're accepting convalescent plasma donations from all willing to share their antibodies, every now and then we have a donor who has the opportunity to help in more than one way. Harold has been a consistent donor for years, but is also a Registered Nurse. Thank you, Harold, for all you do (and give)!
We're extremely lucky to have such dedicated, kind, thoughtful donors giving convalscent plasma during this pandemic. They all have their reasons, but one trait remains the same: a genuine desire to help. Here's the story from Brett. "I first heart about convalescent plasma being used to save a woman's life on the local news. My dad is a frequent donor and encouraged me to get tested for the antibodies knowing your center would be collecting convalescent plasma. I was excited to find I had the antibodies and that I could help save lives similar to the woman I saw on the news. Saving lives is why I am here."
It doesn't take much to help someone else a whole lot. One of our most recent convalescent donors, Danielle, not only gave her first time, but recognized the impact she's having and has since continued to come. Her thoughts? That she's happy to donate her time and plasma to help others recover from COVID-19.
For some people, the pandemic means being sick of those you live with. Being stuck in quarantine together, after all. Well, that's not the case with Kevin and Ashley in Portland! This married couple came in to donate as part of the convalescent plasma program because they knew they could help others together. How awesome!
While brands and companies all around the world are toting, "we're in this together" during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found one woman, a convalescent donor of ours, that has really taken it to heart. Her name is Julia, and she said, "I just enjoy the opportunity at being a part of the process of helping fight against COVID-19 and towards the recovery of others."
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a positive test result can be life-changing news. For Shannon, she was able to make the best of it. After a short recovery, she heard about our Convalescent Plasma program. She had already donated throughout college and a few other times, so she knew what to expect. Now, she's grateful she can help others make recoveries, too.
Sometimes we hear some amazing stories about how donors discover plasma donation, especially when they want nothing more than to help others. Bob—Altamonte Springs' very first convalescent plasma donors—is one of them. Although he's only been donatng for a couple weeks now, he's had a long history of being involved. His wife used to work at our center, and while she fought breast cancer he learned that the plasma collected at centers can be used to help save lives. Eventually, he was diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 and began looking into ways he could give back to his community. He remembered what he learned about plasma all those years ago and discovered a new program to collect convalescent plasma. Now, he considers it his mission to try and help save as many lives as he can by donating plasma. Thank you, Bob, for helping to beat COVID-19!
All around the world, people are recovering from COVID-19. Now, some of them are able to share their antibodies by donating convalescent plasma so others can have a better chance, too. Among them, George. Here is why he decided to donate. George started donating in February 2019, and now has a total of 90 donations. He advised that he was been on the planet for 50 years and is currently married with seven children and five grandchildren. George is a social worker and a farmer. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 and spending nine days in the hospital, he credits his Christian faith as to why he is still here. George said, "Albany was hit hard by the pandemic and I actually lost a family member. Everyone should really be cautious, practice social distancing, and just be safe. This pandemic is real, and I experience COVID-19 first hand." George also added, "I would like to tell everyone that God is good. It is very important to help. If you can help please give back." Thank you, George, for helping to beat COVID-19.
It's okay to be nervous doing something new like donating plasma. One donor overcame her nerves when she learned that she could share the antibodies in her plasma to help save the lives of COVID-19 patients. Tatiana herself was diagnosed with the virus after only one night of mild symptoms. Remember, some people have more severe symptoms than others, but you'd still have the same important antibodies in your plasma. When asked what her message to patients that she is helping would be, she replied, "I'm happy that I can get to help anyone going through this and they are not alone!" Thank you, Tatiana—we're excited to see you again!
Those working long hours in the medical industry during this pandemic are risking their lives in the face of COVID-19. For that reason, many regard them as heros. One of our donors, Brianna, is a double hero in our book—she works in the ER of a local hospital where she believes she caught the virus. Now, she's donating convalescent plasma to continue helping others. We're excited to see her again. Thank you, Brianna!
Convalescent plasma is donated by those who are fully recovered from the COVID-19 virus. Here at Biomat USA in Houma, we're excited that two of our most consistent donors, Janya and Mark, were also the first to donate convalescent plasma in our center. We look forward to seeing them every visit to make a difference.
Have you ever just wanted to shout something from the rooftops? Meet Kim. "I'm a regular plasma donor at Biotest. COVID-19 has changed everyone's lives including my own. Having had the virus and knowing first-hand how it affects the body, and seeing others lose their lives because of this virus, I have made it my goal to spread the news about convalescent plasma, the benefits it has on COVID-19 patients, and the lives it will help save." Shout away, Kim. We're right there with you.
Lisa works at a local CPA office. She contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for a total of six days. Now that she's fully recovered, she wants to donate her plasma for the first time. She stated, "The reason I want to donate convalescent plasma is because the thought of another person going through what I went through breaks my heart". Thank you, Lisa! You are a true hero!
Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 and since recovered? The way our donor, Eugene sees it, the scariest part is over. He said about his donation experience: "Everything was wonderful. The staff was wonderful and the process was great and smooth. I made another appointment for this Friday." Thanks, Eugine! We'll see you then!
For many, COVID-19 has changed, delayed, interrupted or canceled life-long dreams and plans. For Sylvia, there was a silver lining: "Two of my friends and I were on our way to Machu Picchu, just finishing the hardest part of our 5-day hike when we were forced to turn around and quarantine ourselves. We all became sick a few days later. It was on my bed that I watched the story and the science behind COVID-19 unfold. I'm a regular plasma donor, so naturally the stories about plasma helping people came as no surprise, but it's so wonderful something this remarkable came out of my truly once-in-a-lifetime trip. Even though I did not get to see Machu Picchu, given the chance I would give it all up again for the opportunity to help save those most in need." Thank you, Sylvia—we're lucky to work with donors like you.
Matthew is a new donor in Raliegh, and he's started on the path to helping us beat COVID-19. His center leadership say he was so pleasant, he even worked a second donation for the next week into his busy schedule. We can't do this without the sacrifices of those like Matthew.
Hailing from St. Paul is Maddy, a college student who contracted COVID-19 while returning home from a study aboard program. Not only has she since recovered from the virus, but she's now helping to beat it by donating her plasma with essential antibodies. Maddy is a true hero and we're super glad that she's here!
Idara's sister died before she was born and has always wanted to make a difference in other people's lives as a way to feel closer to her. As a pharmacist, she's been able to help others, but she has also had the opportunity to donate convalescent plamsa and be a part of a solution to a worldwide pandemic. This way, she knows her sister lives on through her.
Meet Maryam from Phoenix, AZ who donates plasma because "I want to help people in need, and if all I can do right now is donate my health, then I'll do that until I become a neurosurgeon and am able to help people more."
"My reason for donating plasma is ... I absolutley love to help people and if I can help save a life game on!!!!" Carrie in Tallahassee, FL, you are awesome! Thanks for being part of our donor community!
Our donors take their role seriously. Kimberly in Bakersfield says she donates "because it helps him and her today, helped them yesterday and will help us tomorrow. Giving plasma isn't only giving a bit of yourself, it's about giving life, giving hope. So to those that aren't (donating plasma) to those that need it ask yourself why? Why not give hope to that one person that tomorrow, perhaps, will give it back to you."
"After going through lung cancer 5 years ago, I have been wanting to give back and help anyone in some way". Thank you Kathy in Bridgeview, IL for joining our donor community!
"Donating plasma is a blessing for the patients and for the donor as well. I appreciate the help the plasma center gives me. I think both donor and the patients who receive the plasma are greatly benefited. Thank you." We thank you Marla in Shreveport, LA for being a loyal plasma donor.
"My daughter is a year and a half old. If she was laying on that table and needed the blood or plasma to survive, I would want her to have it readily available. By donating, I can help save somebody else's daughter or son, maybe even a mother or father, wife or husband." writes Raven in Canton, OH.
Our donors care about the communities they live in. Like Andrew in Kalazazoo, MI who donates plasma "to buy diapers to donate to the homeless young mothers living at the gospel mission." We are proud of your commitment to your community!
"Nothing compares to the feeling of giving.... Especially when what you give helps saves lives. Why do I need to hoard something my body makes naturally?" - Angilo in Broomfield, CO
Our donors are part of our Grifols donor community. We are proud of people like James in Reno, NV who tells us "It makes me feel as if I''m making a contribution to my fellow man ( or woman... )." Thank you for your contribution to the plasma community.
"Before my first time (donating plasma) I was going (to the center) to make some extra money. Then, I watched a video during my screening and I understood how many people need plasma. Now I go every week with a different perspective, and (at) the end of the day I realized that money is not the main thing, helpig others is." Thank you Andre in Rexburg for sharing your experience with us.
Looking for a way to give back? Maybe you are like Alexa in Frederick, MD. She donates "to help create better lives for other people who so desperately need plasma."
Know people like Tina in Statesboro, GA? "I am an EMT and know the importance of donating (plasma)." Thank you Tina for everything you do.
"I am getting married next year and donating plasma is going to help me and my fiance save some extra money towards the cost of the wedding... plus you're helping others when you donate. Win-Win!" Thanks Ronald in Indianapolis, IN for being a loyal donor. Congratulations!
My reason for donating is to help those who may really need it. By donating, I know I'm helping save someone's mother, father, brother, sister, or any family member!
"Life is precious." Yes it is, Brent in Plymouth, MN. We are proud that you are part of our donor community!
Patient Stories
I am able to chase and try to accomplish all my aspirations...Because of you I can aspire to achieve my dreams.
Most of us tend to emulate and admire the famous without realizing that, day in and day out, what you folks do proves that you are the true heroes of our society. You should be regarded as such. I give you my sincerest thanks.