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As Steve puts it, "Things went — and are going — pretty well. But a key reason for that is the plasma I received during the process."

As a result of chemotherapy, Steve became immunocompromised.

"The chemo kills off the bad things, but takes some good things too, including your ability to fight off disease. You are highly at risk for all manner of bacterial and viral infections, which can easily turn in any number of dangerous directions. A fast, by-the-book recovery is the goal," he said. "And that's where the plasma comes in."

He ultimately received three plasma transfusions in order to ensure that his recovery stayed on track.

It worked.

"I was sent home to continue my recovery two days ahead of the norm. Which may seem like a small thing, but after 17 days inpatient, it was more than welcome. If I don't receive [plasma], at the very least I'm staying in the hospital longer. … If you're one of those angels who goes above and beyond to donate plasma, I owe you one. Three, actually."

Steve used to be a regular donor. Now, as a cancer fighter, he is unable to donate.

"We're all struggling with something. It may not be cancer. But you really don't know what people could be going through." Most importantly, Steve adds: "You don't know who you could be helping."

Someone like Steve.

As you return to daily life and attend to the appointments you've put off for perhaps more than a year, consider adding a plasma donation appointment to your list. Learn more about plasma donation and become a donor by finding a center near you: /bethe1donor.html#/