I’m Mitchel and I have
hemophilia but that is the only
thing that makes me different
from any other teenager.
Playing sports, hanging out
with friends and rough-housing
with my brother are activities I
enjoy doing every day. My life
wasn’t always like that. When I
was a baby I would bruise very
easily just from simple things
like being picked up or moving
around the house in my walker.
Doctors weren’t sure what
was causing the bruising and
at first they even suspected
cancer. After running blood
tests I was diagnosed with
hemophilia – a genetic
bleeding disorder that prevents
my blood from clotting.
I began receiving Factor VIII
replacement therapy anytime
my parents saw something
that indicated I might have an
internal bleed. After I became
more active, I would get
infusions on a regular basis.
The doctor still limited my
activities which was difficult
especially when I would see
my friends outside playing,
climbing trees, and throwing
snowballs.
There’s not much out of
the ordinary about my life
today because of the Factor
VIII replacement infusions
I receive. Plasma donations
given at BioLife Plasma
Services make my therapy and
allow me to do the things I
love.
I have this great life and can
enjoy normal activities because
of people who generously
donate plasma each week and
who work at BioLife Plasma
Services centers.
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