Hello, my name is Dayna. My husband, Brian, and I are the parents of three wonderful, amazing children, Charlie, Kate, and Tommy.
To us Charlie, Kate and Tommy and the life we enjoy with them is an absolute joy. Our road with the children, however, has not always been easy. You see all three of our children were born missing part of their immune system. I was pregnant with Tommy when first Kate and then Charlie were diagnosed with a Primary Immunodeficiency Disease. Our lives revolved around sickness and medical appointments. My husband and I were quickly losing hope that our children would ever be able to lead typical lives filled with the things children are supposed to be able to do. Then, Tommy was born as sick as his brother and sister.
We were desperate for hope and some normalcy for their lives, our children were unable to do many of the things their peers could do, and we worried and wondered if their lives would ever be filled with school days, and play dates.
Over time, all three of our children were started on IV infusions of a plasma product called IVIG. When donors give plasma, it is pooled with others, and their antibodies to diseases are infused into my children, replacing the part of the immune system they are missing.
This was the answer we were looking for, the hope for the future we once lost was restored. Plasma donations across the country allow our children to do the things that typical kids can do. They have fished in the Lakes of Wisconsin, stood on the sand beaches of Florida and been to museums in Chicago! They attend school, have friends and hopes and dreams! Charlie would like to be President of the United States one day, Tommy would like to be a firefighter, and Kate wants to own a horse ranch! Impressive dreams for children who once had little future ahead of them.
Thank you for donating plasma. We sincerely hope that you continue to donate plasma so children like ours can lead more normal lives. |
