Jennifer Bohac

Two years ago, Jennifer Bohac took a friend's advice and donated source plasma for the first time. She's been doing it ever since. She also has recruited ten other plasma donors. As an academic advisor, who is also taking graduate courses, Jennifer has little time to call her won. Even so, she finds it worthwhile to fit two visits to the plasma collection center into her weekly schedule.

Jennifer sees donating as a way to give something back to others. Her job and studies often have involved her in research projects and it is important to her that her plasma proteins sometimes are used in research. Her source plasma is used as a raw material to collect plasma proteins. The proteins that are taken include albumin, which is used in the treatment of burn and shock victims. Factor VIII is used by hemophiliacs for clotting. Gamma globulin and immunoglobulins from her plasma are also collected.

Taking the time to make two plasma donations a week is important to Jennifer. "It does others so much good. Also, it makes me sit down for a while to study or just relax. Often, it's the only time I allow myself to relax and it's fun. Coming to the plasma center is a good way to see my friends. The staff here are great. They are donors themselves and do a great job of making every donor feel special."

With every plasma donation, donors are weighed, monitored and have their general health checked. Being a regular plasma donor has made Jennifer more aware of maintaining her own health, too. Since becoming a regular donor, she has become more conscientious about eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water. She makes it a priority to take care of herself so she can share her health. For Jennifer, her regular plasma donation is a part of her regular schedule.