Rickey Huguenin finds purpose through plasma donation.
For Rickey Huguenin, the twice-weekly hour he spends at his local plasma donation center has become a cherished source of joy. After a car accident left him disabled and his opportunities to contribute to society in the ways he was used to shrank, Huguenin discovered an unexpected path to fulfillment through plasma donation.
Most of his time is spent at home cooking for and watching movies with his partner, Huguenin explains. Being able to go out and donate plasma lets him socialize while serving a greater purpose—something he says he “feels truly honored to do."
His journey to becoming a dedicated donor wasn't straightforward. Huguenin first attempted plasma donation in South Carolina, but the center's atmosphere failed to inspire regular visits. After moving to North Carolina, he frequently passed a donation center during his walks and decided to give it another try. This time, everything clicked. The new center's welcoming, relaxing environment, combined with its commitment to cleanliness, respect, professionalism, and safety, transformed his experience.
That positive change sparked a dedication that has lasted nearly three years, with Huguenin donating faithfully twice every week—the maximum allowed frequency. His motivation runs deeper than mere routine. The mother of his child lives with lupus, giving him first hand insight into the challenges faced by people with chronic diseases and the vital role plasma plays in their treatment.
Huguenin enthusiastically shares advice with prospective donors. From his experience, he recommends not giving up if your first experience isn't perfect. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and adequate protein intake. Most importantly, he stresses the right mindset: "Don't look at it for the money. Go because you're helping someone. Knowing you're making a difference makes you feel better inside and about yourself."
His commitment to the cause extends beyond his own donations. Huguenin has distributed flyers to spread awareness about plasma donation and even provided transportation to help others donate. If you need to put a smile on your face, consider donating plasma. Through this simple act of giving, Huguenin has found not just purpose, but a renewed sense of connection to his community.
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