Nicholas M. is a 19-year-old who calls Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, home. Like many young adults, he is a college student studying electrical and computer engineering. He enjoys skiing, soccer, and online video games with friends. During the summer, Nicholas was also a lifeguard at the Lakefront Park. He is also a volunteer with the Formula Electric Club at school.
Nicholas has Common Variable Immune Deficiency Disease (CVID), a primary immune deficiency disease characterized by low levels of protective antibodies and an increased risk of infections. He was diagnosed a month past his first birthday and began treatment with a plasma-based therapy when he was 3-years old. Before treatment, he was constantly sick with ear infections, upper respiratory infections, skin infections, intestinal infections and viruses, leaving his healthcare team and family worried.
“Medicine made from plasma has given me the ability to spend time with family and friends, volunteer in my community, work, learn and go to school,” shares Nicholas, who has been a part of CSL Plasma’s Adopt-a-Patient program visiting center locations in Michigan.
To plasma donors, Nicholas shares: “You have given me a better quality of life by donating your plasma to me and patients like me. Plasma donors are AMAZING because they DO THE AMAZING! Donors are responsible for creating the life-saving medicine that help me every day! Thank you, thank you and thank you again!”
Nicholas is also grateful for CSL Plasma employees. “You are truly a HERO,” he says. “You are responsible for collecting the plasma that creates the life-saving medications for patients like me. I truly appreciate all you do!”
He notes that it takes more than 200 plasma donors to help support one plasma-based treatment that many patients need monthly. Because of this, he encourages everyone to spread awareness about the need for plasma donation.
“I will need my medication monthly for the rest of my life,” says Nicholas. “Please continue to DO THE AMAZING! My life depends on you!”
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