Author
Gabi Niethammer, 2nd Chairwoman Alpha1 Germany e. V.
Did you know that approximately 15,000 blood donations are needed every single day(!) to meet the demand for blood products in Germany? Most people know someone who has needed a blood transfusion at some point in their life and may even have survived thanks to it. However, not everyone knows that in addition to donating blood, some locations also offer the option of voluntarily donating blood plasma.
Plasma-derived medications are used to treat genetic, life-threatening diseases. These include, among others, the well-known blood clotting disorder hemophilia, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and also alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Approximately 900 plasma donations are needed to cover the annual medication requirements of one person with AATD. We Alphas are so grateful that so many people are willing to donate time and time again, ensuring our needs are well met.
To mark its 20th anniversary, the disease Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) was the focus of a donor appreciation event, celebrations, and patient information sessions. Both donors and those affected by AATD were invited. It was a pleasure for everyone to exchange ideas, learn more about the disease, and finally be able to express their gratitude in person.
Our member, Ms. Hannelore Sistu, who was on-site for us in Berlin-Tegel, reported: „It was a very pleasant visit. I received a very warm welcome, and my initial shyness quickly disappeared. After I was introduced to everyone, the tour began, which was very interesting. I had the opportunity to speak with two donors and thank them most sincerely on behalf of everyone. One gentleman has been donating regularly for ten years and has thus already donated 400 times. A young woman also comes to donate regularly. She was very touched that I thanked her personally.“
In Jena, Axel Röhming and his son Mika expressed their gratitude. In an interview, Mika stated: "In the future, the plasma will essentially provide me with the proteins that I am unable to produce myself, thus supplying me with natural proteins and hopefully enabling me to lead a normal life."„
The Röhming family even made it onto Jena TV, thereby raising awareness of our illness and calling for donations.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who needs substitution therapy and depends on donations.
Further Haema/Plasmavita events in Stuttgart, Erfurt and Frankfurt were unfortunately cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic; Alpha1 Germany would have gladly accepted the invitation to these events as well.
Ms. Sistu thanks a donor
Honoring Mrs. Sigrid Grundert – with 566 donations made
A must-have at the ceremony: The HAEMA mascot
