I will continue to donate, twice a week for as long as I can

“I would like to think of myself as a ‘lifesaver’ and hopefully my plasma has prolonged the lives of others, so their families didn’t have to go through an unfortunate time.”

"I started donating 14 years ago because I needed the money when I was moving my family back to Iowa and Christmas was coming. I donated at a competitor for three years before coming to Octapharma in June of 2010.

Since then, times have changed, the kids have graduated college and have moved out on their own. I can honestly say that I don’t donate for the money anymore. Originally, I was in a race with a friend to reach 1,000 donations. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with COPD and is unable to donate any more. However, when I was at donation 700, it really became a goal of mine to hit 1,000 donations at Octapharma in Des Moines.

I can honestly say there are two main reasons that I donate weekly, twice a week. The first reason is definitely knowing that I am doing good for so many other people around the world. I would like to think of myself as a ‘lifesaver’ and hopefully, my plasma has prolonged the lives of others, so their families didn’t have to go through an unfortunate time. The second reason is all of the employees there, as well as the other donors that I have gotten to know during these 12 years.

I have seen a lot of people come and go and have even spent more hours there than some of the newer staff but seeing them weekly makes it feel as though they are a part of my extended family. They are great people.

One more thing I would like to add is that my wife is a liver transplant recipient. She had a liver transplant on June 2, 1997. We didn’t meet until June of 2004, but I know she’s been the recipient of plasma also, so that keeps me going – just knowing I am making a difference in people’s lives.

I will continue to donate, twice a week for as long as I can. I am currently at over 1,008 donations and I am looking forward to bringing another cake to the centre in September 2022 for my 1,100th donation.”

For more donor stories visit www.octapharmaplasma.com.