Convalescent plasma therapy seems to be helping some critically ill COVID-19 patients, but hospitals need a supply of it.A York County woman was inspired by her mother to donate.Megan Hoard is feeling a lot better now than she did in March when she contracted the coronavirus.”It was a little scary because I kind of went through it alone,” she said.The 28-year-old started feeling ill after celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in York. “I couldn’t smell or taste anything, and it was awful. Once I finally started to regain it back, I was pretty happy I could taste my Chick-fil-A,” Hoard said.Now that Hoard is recovered, she is also happy to help others.Hoard became the first patient to donate convalescent plasma at WellSpan Health’s Apple Hill Medical Center. The plasma, which is filled with antibodies, is intended to help other patients fight the coronavirus.Hoard said her mother, a registered nurse who died in 2013, always encouraged her to donate blood.”I’ve always wanted to give back, and since I’m not in the health care field, I wanted to be able to make sure I can help someone. It all stems from her,” Hoard said.Doctors at WellSpan Health have already used Hoard’s plasma to treat patients. Right now, patients are only given one dose of plasma because there is a shortage.”If we have an inventory locally, hopefully we can give more doses to our patients that are here — two doses, hopefully,” said Dr. Michelle Erickson.Hoard is trying to stay active so she can play soccer again and donate more of her plasma.Recovered COVID-19 patients who want to donate plasma can find more information at the WellSpan Health website.
YORK, Pa. —
Convalescent plasma therapy seems to be helping some critically ill COVID-19 patients, but hospitals need a supply of it.
A York County woman was inspired by her mother to donate.
Megan Hoard is feeling a lot better now than she did in March when she contracted the coronavirus.
“It was a little scary because I kind of went through it alone,” she said.
The 28-year-old started feeling ill after celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in York.
“I couldn’t smell or taste anything, and it was awful. Once I finally started to regain it back, I was pretty happy I could taste my Chick-fil-A,” Hoard said.
Now that Hoard is recovered, she is also happy to help others.
Hoard became the first patient to donate convalescent plasma at WellSpan Health’s Apple Hill Medical Center. The plasma, which is filled with antibodies, is intended to help other patients fight the coronavirus.
Hoard said her mother, a registered nurse who died in 2013, always encouraged her to donate blood.
“I’ve always wanted to give back, and since I’m not in the health care field, I wanted to be able to make sure I can help someone. It all stems from her,” Hoard said.
Doctors at WellSpan Health have already used Hoard’s plasma to treat patients. Right now, patients are only given one dose of plasma because there is a shortage.
“If we have an inventory locally, hopefully we can give more doses to our patients that are here — two doses, hopefully,” said Dr. Michelle Erickson.
Hoard is trying to stay active so she can play soccer again and donate more of her plasma.
Recovered COVID-19 patients who want to donate plasma can find more information at the WellSpan Health website.
