Sixteen years ago, Nate Appleman, a celebrated chef, faced every parent’s worst nightmare when his two-year-old son, Oliver, fell ill. Oliver’s diagnosis was a complete shock. He was a healthy and happy boy, and then one day, he started to develop a rash, a swollen tongue, and a high fever. After a rushed ER visit, visits to clinics, and many tests, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease – a rare yet serious inflammatory illness that can impact the vital arteries in kids which are responsible for bringing oxygen-rich blood to the heart. To treat this condition, Oliver received plasma-derived IVIG therapy for a month in the hospital. This crucial intervention was a gift from anonymous donors.

Paying It Forward

Today, Oliver is a vibrant, healthy 18-year-old, and a living testament to the power of plasma therapies. What makes his story truly exceptional is his recent milestone: Oliver has started to donate plasma himself.

Oliver’s decision to donate stems from his personal understanding of plasma’s impact. “I grew up watching my parents stay committed to donating plasma regularly,” Oliver shares. “When I turned 18 and became eligible, I knew I wanted to pay it forward and give others hope.”

While plasma-derived therapy was used to treat Oliver’s Kawasaki disease, there was still irreversible damage to his heart that persists to this day. As an adult, he takes responsibility for his own health, managing resulting heart complications with medication and a healthy lifestyle, including regular gym visits and a balanced diet.

Nate recalls, “I was unaware of the need for and importance of plasma donation until Oliver’s diagnosis, as it is a vital reason why he is thriving at 18 years old.” While Oliver no longer needs medicine made from plasma, thousands of others around the world still rely on it, making it more important than ever to give back.

The Importance of Plasma

Oliver’s journey illustrates the critical need for plasma donations. This vital resource isn’t just for emergencies like burns, traumas, and surgeries; it’s a continuous lifeline for individuals with rare and life-threatening conditions.

To truly grasp the immense and ongoing demand, consider these sobering statistics:

• More than 125,000 people in the U.S. rely on plasma-derived therapies to treat their often chronic and life-threatening conditions.
• Treating just one person with primary immunodeficiency for a year requires approximately 130 plasma donations.
• A single hemophilia patient may need around 1,200 donations annually.

These numbers underscore that a steady and reliable supply from dedicated donors is absolutely crucial in order to meet the growing need and provide consistent treatment.

The Plasma Donation Experience

Donor safety is a key focus of plasma centers and donation can profoundly impact someone’s life. To become a donor, you must be 18 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and pass a comprehensive health screening for conditions like hepatitis and HIV. A healthy diet and hydration are also key. It’s always best to confirm specific requirements directly with your chosen donation facility.

During the donation, trained staff will ensure safety and clean an area of your arm to draw blood. A specialized machine then separates the plasma, returning your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets safely to your body.

Because only plasma is collected, your body replenishes it remarkably quickly—often within 24 hours, which allows healthy individuals to donate up to twice a week, consistently contributing to this essential supply.

A Life-Saving Difference

For Nate and Oliver Appleman, it’s about sharing their story in hopes that others will learn about the power of plasma and consider donating. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that every donation is a gift of life or hope.

There are more than 900 licensed plasma collection centers across the U.S., making it accessible for many to contribute.  Are you inspired by Oliver’s incredible journey of transformation and generosity? Visit Bethe1Donor.com , https://www.oneblood.org/ or https://www.redcrossblood.org/

to learn how you can join him and Nate in making a life-saving difference. Your decision to donate plasma can provide a lifeline to thousands, just as it did for a two-year-old boy named Oliver, allowing him to grow into the healthy and vibrant young man he is today.