Plasma Donor and Patient Stories

Mother of seven, Robin, has a fierce advocate for herself and her children through their ongoing treatment for von Willebrand Disease. She and her family rely heavily on wilate®, a plasma-based medication by Octapharma, to lead comfortable lives.

Mother, Nelly, helps daughter, Sebaga, live her life with von Willebrand Disease to the fullest with the help of wilate, a plasma-based medication by Octapharma.

Seth believes that life presents all of us with challenges, but if we continue to work hard and think positively, good things will happen. With the help of nuwiq^® by Octapharma, Seth overcomes his struggles with Hemophilia A and inspires others with his athleticism and spirit.

At age 28, Seth Rojhani is living proof that anything is possible. When he was just 6 months old, Seth was diagnosed with both severe Hemophilia A and cancer. A complication during tumor removal surgery caused T-2 level paraplegia, leaving Seth in a manual wheelchair ever since. “My situation was unique. Hemophilia was definitely a major issue, but there were other issues at the forefront for us as a family.”

As a Patient Educator for Octapharma, Seth shares the tools and resources that have allowed him to successfully maintain an active lifestyle while managing his bleeding disorder. “I love sports. Growing up, I was extremely active and I always wanted to do anything athletic. But from an early age, I was told ‘no’ because of my hemophilia. My mom and I had to really educate people on hemophilia and how it’s not something that will hinder you from doing a lot of things – as long as your treat your condition properly.”

Today, Seth lives in Denver, Colorado, plays for the Denver Rolling Nuggets as a part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, and is a Paralympics bronze medalist with Team USA. He also coaches the Denver Jr Rollin’ Nuggets team.

Seth switched to nuwiq^® 3.5 years ago. He was previously on rFVIII, Xyntha^® for 8 years, using a prophylactic regimen 3 times a week. “I was having some bleeds, and I wanted to reduce them. When nuwiq^® came on the market, I hoped it would be a better choice for me – so I made the switch. The fact that it’s produced using human cells rather than hamster cells was also a factor.”

“For me, nuwiq^® really helped me put an end to the breakthrough bleeds that would sometimes limit me. Now, when I play basketball, I make sure to infuse before every game.”

Seth is on a personalized prophylaxis regimen. He describes the process of pharmacokinetic testing as relatively easy. “For me, it took just one day of testing. It’s been almost 4 years since starting on a personalized prophylaxis regimen, and it’s working for me very well. I have a good relationship with my physician and hemophilia treatment center. They know how active I am and understand the best way to treat me.”

“When talking to patients about nuwiq^® I ask first if their current treatment is working for them and are they happy with it? Are they happy with the results they’re getting? From there, I will go into my experience with nuwiq^® and how it’s worked for me.”

“Your donation matters. It directly affects patients like my daughter who so critically rely on plasma therapy. Octapharma Plasma donors have been a lifesaver to my family.”
– Jennifer, mother and patient advocate

When Jennifer’s daughter, Bella, first became sick in 2014, she was oblivious to the long road ahead.

It started with strep: a common childhood illness that, with proper medication, resolves in a week’s time. However, Bella’s strep persisted.

Bella was sent to the emergency room, where an abundance of blood tests and medications were administered. Still, nothing remedied her condition. Her strep was followed by the flu, then compartment syndrome, and even rotavirus. As Jennifer helplessly watched her once perfectly healthy and lively daughter deteriorate to a shell of her former self, she was met with frustrated doctors who accused her of not giving Bella the medicines they prescribed. With her daughter being chronically ill, Jennifer was not able to be mentally and sometimes physically present at work, frustrating some coworkers and adding to her stress.

The family was beyond its breaking point. Months turned into years as they continued its tireless search for the root cause of Bella’s health issues. As a mother, Jennifer felt powerless watching her daughter suffer.

But a phone call can change everything.

One day, the phone rang at the family’s home with Bella’s new specialist doctor on the other line. “Are you sitting down?” he cautioned.

He diagnosed Bella with a severe immunoglobulin deficiency. People with IgG deficiency are more likely to get infections, which is why Bella endured a long string of illnesses throughout the years. When your body is sick and feels it is under attack, it makes special proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. These antibodies are made by plasma cells. However, if you have an immunoglobulin deficiency like Bella, your body lacks these very important cells.

Every 28 days Bella receives the Octapharma therapy, Octagam®, which fuels her now active and normal teenage lifestyle. Without it, she would not be able to be a spirited member of her high school’s pep squad in San Antonio or have high aspirations to enter the physically demanding United States Air Force. Because of plasma donors from around the country, Bella is able to lead a relatively normal life.

Her mother, Jennifer, continues to be amazed by her daughter’s many talents and abilities. Any chance she gets, Jennifer educates those around her on the importance of plasma donation, and reflects, “Your donation matters. It directly affects patients like my daughter who so critically rely on plasma therapy. Octapharma Plasma donors have been a lifesaver to my family.”

The power of plasma positively impacts the lives of thousands like Bella and her family every day. Donating to protect a child, so she can grow up protect the lives of others, that’s Plasmagic.

“Without plasma, simply put, I would not be alive today.” 

– Elyse, Octapharma employee and powerlifting athlete

Powerlifters are strong. It’s not all about the physical ability. Mental strength is a key component to their success. Like all athletes, they push through challenges to achieve their goals. Elyse, an Octapharma Plasma employee, won her first powerlifting competition, but obstacles she has conquered made her a winner before she ever set foot on the gym mat.

Back in 2008, Elyse was in a horrific car accident which left her with impaired mobility. She suffered several broken bones and fractures, a collapsed lung, and deep lacerations on her left leg. While she doesn’t remember much from that day, she distinctly recalls what saved her life.

A plasma transfusion.

En route to the hospital and during her numerous surgeries, Elyse received several plasma transfusions as she lost a considerable amount of blood. Approximately 40 plasma donations were needed to make the life-saving medicines she received.

“The amount of plasma donations needed in order to treat the tens of thousands of people experiencing a traumatic accident in the United States every year just truly makes you realize how important this industry is,” Elyse shared.

Plasma is an incredibly valuable resource to the medical community, both in treating trauma patients and for those with rare and chronic diseases, and the supply of plasma relies solely on human donations. Unfortunately, there is an ongoing shortage of plasma, leaving many patients vulnerable.

Car accidents like the one that Elyse was in are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the United States. There are millions of car accidents every year and in 2021 roughly 43% of accidents result in serious injuries. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nearly 43,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from 2020.

A few years after her accident, Elyse took a job at Octapharma Plasma and currently works as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. While she began the job coincidental to her relationship with plasma, she feels educating the general public about the importance of donation is her life’s work.

In the years since her accident, Elyse has spent a lot of time in rehabilitation, surgeries, and improving her physical and mental wellbeing. Elyse wanted to show the world the radical and life-altering change plasma can make in a person’s life. Through consistent perseverance and hours in the gym, she became an accomplished powerlifter and accredits the transfusions she received as providing her with the possibility to push past her physical limitations inflicted by the accident. Her love for the sport has propelled her recovery to new heights and she says she feels stronger than ever before. Every chance she gets, she is sure to tell Octapharma Plasma donors that their donation truly matters.

“Without plasma, simply put, I would not be alive today.”

To learn more about Octapharma Plasma locations near you, visit this link.

“You never think something like this will happen to your child until it does, and with it, your world and your child’s world changes forever.”

– Danielle, mother and patient advocate

Danielle describes her son, Isaiah, as the nicest boy in the world. She says he is kind and creative, but most importantly, he’s a warrior.

Isaiah has been sick since he was two. For years, he gained little weight and his doctors were without answers. Danielle did all she could to connect him with the right specialists and treatments, but nothing remedied his condition. It wasn’t until blood work revealed Isaiah had a rare form of Systemic Sclerosis and started receiving immunoglobulin infusion therapy (IVIG) with plasma, that he saw some improvement in his condition. With a treatment plan in place, everything seemed to be looking up, until one day the future supply of Isaiah’s infusions was not guaranteed.

Since 2020, U.S. plasma collections have fallen drastically – to the point of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is chiefly responsible for the decline. Today, thousands of patients who depend on plasma for their life-saving therapies continue to feel the strain.

Due to the plasma shortage, Isaiah went three months without receiving any therapy and became very sick. Frustrated, scared, and desperate for a solution, Danielle organized a plasma drive in her hometown to shed light on the plasma shortage and encourage donations. More than 50 people showed up in support of Isaiah and the thousands of other patients worried about the future of their next treatment.

“Donating plasma saves lives,” Danielle said. “Your donation helps a child like mine live a normal and happy life.”

Educating others on the importance of plasma donation is ingrained into Danielle’s family. So much so that Isaiah ’s aunt now works at an Octapharma Plasma donation center, and his stepdad, Larry, donates twice per week. Isaiah even used some of his creative skills to design some artwork for his local donation center.

For some, the plasma shortage may seem like an abstract phenomenon. For Isaiah and countless other patients like him, the plasma shortage is tangible, pervasive, and in some cases, deadly. As Danielle continues to encourage her community to donate, she reflects, “Do whatever you can. You never think something like this will happen to your child until it does, and with it, your world and your child’s world changes forever.”

To learn about donation centers local to you, click here.

“Not only does donating plasma help me make my family’s life better, I know my donation is helping someone, somewhere, somehow. Just start donating, and you’ll see what I mean.”
– Maurice, loyal Octapharma Plasma donor

Diversity across our donor family is what makes Octapharma Plasma unique. Not only do our donors represent a multitude of backgrounds, ages, and occupations, but each of them also possesses a unique reason for spending time at Octapharma Plasma and giving back to the thousands of patients in need.

Maurice is a dedicated family-man.

As a proud father and grandfather, nothing is more important to him than making memories with his loved ones. In fact, Maurice paid for his family reunion using solely his Octapharma Plasma compensation.

For more than a decade, Maurice has been donating plasma at Octapharma twice per week and has cultivated lasting friendships with staff, like Sonny, who he has proudly watched grow from an entry-level employee to a center director over the years. Despite having thousands of dollars saved in his account, Maurice is committed to saving his earnings for only the most special occasions in life, like celebrating family.

Maurice’s reunion brought dozens of family members together to enjoy good food, dance, and share stories of what makes their family special. “It was a day I will always remember, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Octapharma Plasma. My family will always have this memory to hold on to, and to me, that’s priceless,” Maurice shared.

The compensation Octapharma Plasma provides its donors for their time has the distinct ability to power invaluable memories and experiences, enhancing the life of all donors and saving the lives of patients in need. Speaking on the duality of plasma donation, Maurice reflected, “Not only does donating plasma help me make my family’s life better, I know my donation is helping someone, somewhere, somehow. Just start donating, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Donating to save up for life’s precious family moments, while giving patients the opportunity to experience their own, that’s Plasmagic.

As a mathematician and team manager at Octapharma Plasma, Inc., Rob Marchand is great with numbers.

“I’m very precise, and I believe there’s a method to determine how to solve most problems, and if you follow that method, you get exact answers,” he explains.  

Since joining the company in 2022, Rob and his team have been tasked with solving complex issues that are critical to the business. But shortly after his arrival, Rob faced one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of his life – one that didn’t immediately seem to have any precise method to help him solve it, but which ultimately gave him a new lease on life and a desire to help other patients in a unique way.  

Life-threatening defiance

Rob caught a mild case of COVID-19 around Thanksgiving in 2022. It lasted about 10 days. When he experienced similar symptoms a few weeks later, he wasn’t really alarmed. And when he tested negative for COVID-19 that second time around, he assumed he just had a bad cold. He didn’t realize his body was already battling something much more severe.  

Looking back, Rob now recalls starting to feel somehow disconnected from reality. His mind became cloudy, and he experienced memory loss. He couldn’t eat or drink, and he was soon confined to a chair. He remembers being defiant and not wanting to see a doctor. Finally, on New Year’s Eve 2022, his partner, Beth, convinced him to go to the hospital.  

“She saved my life,” he says now. “Without her, I wouldn’t be here. I didn’t know how bad I was. Apparently, if I’d waited one more day, I wouldn’t be here at all.”  

Rob was airlifted to another hospital for care. Doctors diagnosed him with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), a life-threatening blood disorder in which blood clots form in veins throughout the body. TTP impacted Rob’s brain, heart, and kidneys. He underwent six rounds of plasma exchange treatment to keep him alive.  

“My goal is to increase awareness to make someone else’s journey quicker and easier.”

Finding a community

During his two-week hospital stay, Rob spent time learning as much as he could about his condition. His recovery would be a challenge, and he felt alone as he read just how rare TTP was.  

“I was tired, lightheaded, and couldn’t focus. I still struggled to recall even the most basic things. I had to learn how to depend on others – especially as a parent. It was isolating. I didn’t know anyone who had TTP. No one really understood what I was going through.”  

Rob eventually discovered the Ree Wynn Foundation (RWF) – a non-profit organization set up in memory of Reeshemah Wynn who died just hours after receiving her own TTP diagnosis in 2012. The RWF educates and promotes TTP awareness with the aim of reducing the mortality rate and enhancing the quality of life of those living with this rare blood disorder. For the first time since his diagnosis, Rob felt like he had found his community.  

Hearing stories from other TTP patients during the RWF’s monthly virtual support group meetings was inspiring and encouraging. And knowing his employer helps develop products for patients with this condition gave Rob a new sense of purpose and tied him even more closely to his work.  

Raising awareness for TTP

During one of the RWF’s support sessions, Rob learned they periodically participate in blood drives. At this point, he hadn’t shared what he did professionally with the group. He spoke to his managers, and they were receptive to finding ways to work with the Foundation. This is how – during International Plasma Awareness Week in October 2024 – and in collaboration with the RWF – Rob helped coordinate Octapharma Plasma’s first plasma drive at two donation centers in New Jersey. Many people were made aware of the life-saving difference plasma donations can make, while more than two dozen people came out to support and donate.  

“My goal is to increase awareness to make someone else’s journey quicker and easier,” says Rob. “TTP has a high mortality rate if not diagnosed and treated soon enough. It’s what motivates the Ree Wynn Foundation, and why I’m glad Octapharma was able to partner with them.”  

Rob continues to support TTP awareness by attending in-person events and participating in speaking opportunities. In fact, he finds these activities therapeutic for him. “It’s been huge to meet others who have TTP,” he says. “I remember walking up to the first person at a support meeting. I couldn’t hold my emotions back. It’s been really hard, and so many people think you’ll just go back to being the person you were before.” Rob takes a deep breath. “But what I’ve learned is that you’re never going back to being that person. You’re a new version of yourself, and that’s okay. It’s tough to accept, but I think I’m finally there.”

In a world where small acts of kindness can make a huge impact, Karin’s story stands out as a testament to the power of loyalty and community. Her journey with plasma donation is not just about the act itself, but about the connections she has made and the lives she has touched.  Karin’s unwavering commitment to donating plasma, its impact on her life, and the ripple effect of her dedication on those around her inspires others to act.

Loyalty

Karin began donating plasma during her college years but paused after graduation. When her husband faced unexpected business repair costs, she resumed donating to help out. Remembering how simple the process was, she decided to make it a weekly commitment. Since 2010, Karin has been a consistent donor at Octapharma Plasma. She is now among the top active donors, having surpassed 1,400 donations in 2024!

Beyond the altruistic impact she makes, it’s the people at Octapharma Plasma that draw her back time and again. The exceptional donor experience and the strong sense of community are key reasons for her unwavering loyalty.

“Going somewhere else does not fit in my equation at all,” she stated. “It’s nice when you feel like you are a part of something. I feel attached to many of the employees there. I know them well. The management knows me when I come in. They come out of their offices to say hello and of course the phlebotomists; I honestly think I would miss them. I feel like we are friends.”

Donating to create lasting family memories

She has provided many memories for her family over the years including two road trip vacations across the United States – all made possible by donating plasma. “Now that two of my kids are out of the nest, I’ll cherish those memories forever,” said Karin.

Karin’s daughter had the privilege to march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Karin used the funds she earned from donating to make it a family trip. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime for her. As a family, we always believe in showing up for each other. It was awesome just to be there to support her,” said Karin.

Inspiring Others

As a dedicated donor and advocate, Karin inspired her family and friends to follow her lead. Her oldest children have become donors, and Karin often donates during her lunch break, sparking curiosity among her co-workers about the process. Karin has even encouraged her neighbors to become donors.

For Karin, a former journalist turned higher education administrator, donating plasma became more than just a routine—it was a source of inspiration and rejuvenation. Amidst the demands of her career, family, and personal life, plasma donation provided her with a precious opportunity for “me time.” When she resumed donating, she was balancing the responsibilities of raising three small children. Her visits to the center became a cherished hour of relaxation and decompression, demonstrating how even small acts of giving can offer profound personal benefits from donating plasma and inspire others to find their own moments of peace and purpose.

Advocating for the greater good

Donating plasma has done more for Karin besides providing another revenue stream. It gave her discipline and a sense of pride by positively impacting lives around the world. She said, “When I think about the grand scope of things, how many people I have helped over the last 13 years, I just let my imagination run wild. I like to think that I helped a lot.”

Join Karin and other incredible donors in making a difference. Transform your life and the lives of plasma recipients by becoming a donor today.  Find a plasma donation center near you to begin donating!

Whenever Erika, an assistant manager at an Octapharma Plasma center, speaks with donors as they donate plasma, she shares her mother’s story to remind them of their life-saving act.

“My mom is funny, and sarcastic,” said Erika. “But when she gets sick, she is none of these things. She loses hope.”

In 2015, her mother, Guadalupe, began experiencing tingling in her hands. The sensation spread to her feet, arms, knees, and ultimately, a distinct numbness set in. Doctors began to search for the source of Guadalupe’s sudden health issues, and so began a long process of extensive bloodwork and testing.

As Erika helped her mother navigate the challenges of her mystery illness, she began working at Octapharma Plasma as a medical screener. She was eager to learn about plasma’s impact on patients’ lives and to support the development of plasma therapies.

Plasma is critically important to the medical community and its supply relies on human donations. The clear, golden-colored liquid helps treat patients who suffer from a variety of conditions. In her new role at Octapharma Plasma, it didn’t take long for Erika to realize that plasma therapies are in high demand and could one day impact those closest to her.

In 2016, Guadalupe was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Erika remembers the day her mother became paralyzed, which happened shortly after her diagnosis. She and her family watched helplessly as her once-independent mom lost any sense of movement. All hope for their mother’s health was shattered in a matter of hours.

Doctors quickly suggested plasma therapy as a viable treatment. This involved removing blood from the body, separating the plasma, and replacing it with donor plasma, which reduces the number of harmful antibodies in the body. The process meant several sessions of plasma exchange. Although it was time- consuming, Guadalupe was determined to see it through.

And as the treatment plan evolved, a beautiful connection between mother and daughter emerged.

One day, as Guadalupe was laying in her hospital bed receiving treatment, she noticed the box for her medication on her bedside table: Octapharma, the label read. She immediately recognized the brand as Erika’s employer and was awestruck. Her daughter had been directly involved in collecting the plasma needed to treat her rare condition. It was an unbelievable connection Erika describes as “fate.”

Erika watched her mother’s progress throughout therapy with a newfound sense of pride. She regained strength, mobility, and her familiar sassy, independent attitude. Guadalupe keeps the Octapharma boxes following each therapy session – a memento of pride for her daughter’s career.

Erika believes working within the plasma industry is her life’s calling. As she educates donors, she expresses gratitude, because for Erika, donors give her the greatest gift of all. “To everyone who donates at Octapharma Plasma, thank you. You give me the gift of seeing my mother at her best.”

To give hope to families like Erika’s, visit your local Octapharma Plasma center and donate.

“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.” 

Mike first started donating plasma to earn extra income while moving his family to Iowa as the holidays approached. He began donating at Octapharma in June of 2010. 

A New Purpose Beyond Financial Need

Since the start of his plasma journey, a lot has changed for Mike and his family. His kids have graduated college and moved out on their own, and Mike can honestly say he doesn’t donate for the money anymore. Originally, he was in a race with a friend to reach 1,000 donations. Unfortunately, his friend became ill and was no longer able to donate. However, when Mike was at donation 700, it really became a goal of his to hit 1,000 donations at Octapharma in Des Moines. 

Personal Connections

There are two main reasons that Mike continues to donate twice a week. The first reason is knowing that he is doing good for so many other people around the world.  The second reason is all the employees and the other donors he has gotten to know during these 14 years. 

Mike has seen a lot of people come and go and has even spent more hours there than some of the newer staff but seeing them weekly makes him feel as though they are a part of his extended family.  

Mike’s wife is a liver transplant recipient, which she received on June 2, 1997. Although they did not meet until 2004, he knows she’s been the recipient of plasma also. This keeps him going – knowing he is making a difference in people’s lives. 

Milestones Ahead

Mike will continue to donate, twice a week for as long as he can. He is currently almost at over 1,300 donations!  

Join Mike and other incredible donors in making a difference. Transform your life and the lives of plasma recipients by becoming a donor today.  Find a center near you to begin donating!