Two New Jersey COVID-19 patients are recovering after an experimental plasma treatment.
The promising clinical trial being spearheaded by the Mayo Clinic is in its infancy stages and it’s by no means a panacea, but it is giving COVID-19 victims and their families hope.
At Virtua Voorhees Hospital, two doctors were trying everything they could to save the lives of two of their patients but nothing seemed to be working.
“I mean I think we were just trying to help a desperate family,” said Dr. Lukasz Polisiakiewicz of Virtua Voorhees.
RELATED: An ‘absolute miracle’: Tony Luke’s son recovers from COVID-19
Renee Bannister, a 63-year-old school teacher, had been on a ventilator for three weeks with no sign of improvement. That’s when her doctor decided to look into convalescent plasma therapy. The plasma comes from donors who recently recovered from COVID-19 and subsequently possessed protective antibodies. Fortunately, Renee’s niece had recently recovered from a mild case of the virus and offered to be a donor.
“I brought it up to my uncle and said, ‘Hey, don’t know if this holds water but doesn’t hurt to ask,'” said Marisa Leuzzi.
Bannister’s doctor got FDA approval to take part in the Mayo Clinic trial using Leuzzi as a donor.
“The improvement started happening maybe 48 to 72 hours after the plasma transfusion,” said Dr. Polisiakiewicz.
Andy Fei, 61, an opera singer, was also fighting for his life on a ventilator.
His sons were also looking into the plasma treatment.
“Since it is experimental, there is no literature, there are no tests, there’s nothing to back it up to say that it actually works. The only thing we had was faith,” said Eric.
Doctors say both patients are now off ventilators and making a remarkable recovery.
“We are now giving patients plasma under the umbrella program of the Mayo Clinic,” said Dr. Polisiakiewicz.
Leuzzi is just glad she could help.
“In a weird way, I believe I was supposed to get COVID-19 to save my aunt,” said Leuzzi.
Both patients are now in rehab and expect to be reunited with their families soon.
The Red Cross has now set up a bank where doctors in the trial can draw the plasma from. Others who have recovered from the virus are being asked to donate blood hoping to treat more patients with this promising therapy.
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Mixed reaction over COVID-19 mask mandate in Pennsylvania
5-year-old daughter of first responders dies from COVID-19 complications
Small businesses struggling to survive as they wait for COVID-19 funding
Pet owners note behavioral changes in their cats and dogs during the coronavirus pandemic
Small businesses sound off after Governor Wolf extends stay at home order to May 8
New Jersey’s COVID-19 outbreak stabilizing, Gov. Murphy says
Grocery store workers push to close supermarkets to customers claiming ‘atrocious’ behavior by shoppers
MORE RESOURCES
Keeping Reusable Shopping Bags Sanitized and Germ-Free during COVID-19 Outbreak
How to get groceries, supplies, takeout, online workouts and home projects while quarantining
Things for everyone to do to pass the time at home
Great homeschooling and educational resources for parents and students
Free 6abc printable activities for kids to do at home
Work from home: Here are some companies hiring remote workers
CONNECT WITH US
Share your coronavirus story with Action News
Complete coronavirus coverage from Action News
Copyright © 2020 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
