Give Plasma. Save Lives.
As Alice Drennon entered her 50s, she started experiencing a lot of severe infections. After missing 122 days of work in one year and numerous medical visits and blood tests, she learned, at age 54, she had a rare genetic disease called common variable immune deficiency (CVID).
“My antibodies had oddly disappeared,” said Drennon. “I knew I had to live a ‘new normal’ life or wait for death to come knocking at my door.”
Living for Drennon means getting IVIG plasma infusions every 28 days for 4 to 5 hours. The IVIG is made from antibodies called immunoglobulins that help her body fight off infections. The infusions partially replace the antibodies her body should be making, but they need to be replenished every month. She will need them for the rest of her life.
Today, Drennon is living a full life, including volunteering at her local plasma center.
“I thank each donor when they come to our center,” she says. “They’re amazed to see an actual patient, which lets them put a face on a plasma recipient.”
People give plasma for different reasons. One reason is that it helps save the lives of people such as Drennon. For many people with rare diseases and chronic conditions, plasma-based therapies are the only way to treat their condition or disease.
Plasma center staff will show you how to care for your bandage and give you a few other at-home instructions. You should continue to drink water and eat a small meal shortly after giving plasma to restore your energy.
Plasma regenerates quickly. With proper hydration, your blood volume returns to normal within 48 hours. Because of this, you can give plasma twice in any 7-day period, but no more than once in a 48-hour period.
You can typically schedule a return visit while you are at the plasma center. Many people choose to set up a series of visits. Repeat, committed visits are the best way to support the growing need for plasma.
