IDF volunteer John Guntkowski visited the CSL Behring Plasma Center in Port St. Lucie, FL on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 as part of the IDF Plasma Center Program. The purpose of this program is to create awareness about primary immunodeficiency diseases and to show the relationship between patients, donors and employees. Donors and employees see the important role they play in the lives of patients and the lifesaving medications that are produced. Patients and family members gain a better understanding of the importance of plasma donation, and see firsthand the regulations that are in place to produce the safest, highest quality plasma for their lifesaving medications.
IDF volunteer John Guntkowski (striped shirt) at the CSL Behring Plasma Center in St. Lucie, FL
John toured the center and had the opportunity to thank the staff and donors for their lifesaving commitment to patients and explain how IgG therapy impacts his life.
The trip to CSL’s Plasma Center was John’s first plasma center visit. For him it was not only an educational experience but also a time for John to share and give thanks. From John’s perspective, “I got a little choked up when I talked to the staff and donors about ‘my story’ when it hit me with everything they do to help people only with primary immunodeficiencies, but many other patients who need plasma for other various reasons.” The experience has inspired John to plan regular trips to speak with more donors at the Plasma Center.
Please consider volunteering to visit a center and express gratitude for the donors and staff who make your Ig infusions a possibility! If you would like to be a volunteer in the IDF Plasma Center Program, please fill out the form at http://primaryimmune.org/volunteer
Thank you to all of the volunteers and plasma centers that are participating in the program throughout the country.
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