Busy mom of two makes time to donate plasma regularly.
Two years ago, Sheena Burch stumbled upon an opportunity to make a meaningful impact - through plasma donation. Despite having no prior connection to plasma, the 37-year-old, stay-at-home mom of two was inspired to start donating after simply googling “blood donation and other ways to donate.”
"I just wanted to help out however I could," Burch explains. "And I loved that I could donate plasma more frequently than a full blood donation."
However, Burch’s initial attempts were met with repeated deferrals for low protein, elevated heart rate, and at other times dehydration. It wasn't until she moved to a new town and found a helpful plasma center nearby that offered suggestions to rectify those issues and she was finally able to start donating successfully.
Burch’s persistence paid off. She now donates plasma regularly, fitting it seamlessly into her busy schedule caring for her 9 and 6-year-old children. Her dedication has helped provide critical plasma-derived therapies to those in need.
For Burch, the process is straightforward. She arrives at the plasma center first thing in the morning, before the stresses of the day impact her vitals. She avoids caffeine, ensures she's well-hydrated, and eats a protein-rich meal the night before—all tips that have helped her avoid deferrals.
The financial benefits have also been a welcome boost for Burch’s family. With the seasonal ebbs and flows of her husband's job, she no longer worries about making ends meet during the slower periods with the regular plasma donation income.
But the true reward for Burch goes beyond the compensation. "It's so simple, yet it makes such a big difference," she says. "I never know exactly who I'm helping, but I know those donations could be saving lives."
Burch proudly shares her experience with others, including her hairstylist, in hopes of inspiring more people to consider plasma donation. "It may not be a good fit for everyone, but I encourage anyone who's able to at least give it a try," she says.
For Burch, the gift of plasma donation has enriched her life in ways she never expected. By sharing her story, she hopes to motivate others to discover the profound satisfaction that comes from saving lives, one plasma donation at a time.
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