Making a difference, one vein at a time
Scott Berry loves the outdoors, whether walking his dog, Charlie, admiring longhorn cows in his yard, or attending Texas A&M sporting events. Recently, while taking in some fresh air, a deep sense of responsibility came over him. A meaningful way to make an impact gnawed at him, plasma donation.
Three years ago his wife, Jorey Berry, became the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s (IDF) president and CEO, and Berry felt compelled to contribute to the organization's efforts. Attending conferences like IDF’s 2024 PI Conference in Chicago as well as the IPOPI global patients meeting in Marseille, France, he repeatedly heard about the critical global need for plasma donations to help individuals relying on plasma-derived therapies. A documentary produced by IDF in 2024 called "Compromised: Life Without Immunity" particularly moved Berry, further solidifying his commitment to this vital cause.
Two months ago, Berry took action. He scheduled his first plasma donation appointment, committing to donate one Saturday morning each month, despite living in a rural Texas area with the nearest center well over an hour away. His experience has been overwhelmingly positive. "The center is extremely well run," Berry reported. On his first visit, he completed the process in under two hours. The initial donation takes longer due to comprehensive health screenings, including questionnaires, physical examinations, and bloodwork to verify protein and iron levels. He encountered only one challenge: difficult-to-reach veins requiring an experienced technician to oversee his donations.
Undeterred, Berry remains enthusiastic. He has already been back two more times. A new donor has to donate at least twice in order for their donated plasma to be used. "It doesn't hurt at all. There is very minimal discomfort," he emphasized. His advice to potential donors is simple: give plasma donation a try. "I've never regretted being generous," Berry stated, knowing his donations directly improve real people's lives.
Moreover, Berry advocates for increased awareness. He wishes current donors and plasma therapy recipients would share their stories. Even if your neighbors, co-workers, or friends and family aren't immediately motivated, they might become curious and remember what you've shared.
Through his monthly plasma donations, Berry transforms his love for making a difference into tangible support for the very people he has met and talked to over these last three years that rely on plasma every day to live healthy lives.
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