Plasma is used in the care and therapeutic treatments of several diseases and disorders, like immunodeficiency disorders, blood disorders and cancer. An estimated 2 in 5 people in Canada will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Terry Mills is one of these people.
Terry was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, in August 2017. Since then, she has been treated with immunotherapy drugs to boost her immune system’s ability to find and destroy cancer cells.
Advances in cancer treatment are giving patients more hope than ever, but the side effects of those lifesaving medications can take their own serious toll. Immunoglobulin, a product made from a blood component called plasma, helps patients recover from the side effects of their immunotherapy.
Chances are you know someone who has battled cancer and needed immunoglobulin as a part of their treatment protocol. These medications are critical to helping patients like Terry survive and thrive after cancer.
“They gave me immunoglobulin to boost my immune system, because the immunotherapy had wiped out my system,” Terry says. “I feel pretty darn good now.”
In 2020, Canadian Blood Services’ first donor centre dedicated to collecting plasma opened at 900 Lasalle Boulevard in Sudbury — Terry’s hometown.
Plasma donors have a unique opportunity to make donating a part of their regular routine and feel connected to a cause that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, their families, and communities.
When donating plasma, only your plasma is collected, and your red blood cells and platelets are returned to you. This means you can donate plasma more frequently than whole blood.
Terry’s successful recovery from cancer depended on the generosity of plasma donors. People just like you showed up to make a difference for someone they didn’t even know.
How can you start helping save lives today?
Join the community of donors in Sudbury who are making an impact and helping to save lives.
Book an appointment at the Sudbury plasma donor centre by using the GiveBlood app, calling 1 888 2 DONATE, or at blood.ca/plasma.
Located at 900 Lasalle Boulevard, the centre is open six days a week and you can book up to five plasma donation appointments in advance. Donors are encouraged to donate monthly.
Plan ahead and make an impact.