Retiree conquers her fears to become a committed plasma donor
Heather Stewart spent her career in home healthcare and cleaning services before retiring on disability. This early retirement in her mid-50s and the new abundance of free time gave her an unexpected opportunity to invest in others through plasma donation.
Stewartenjoyed slowing down and spending more time with her three children and seven grandchildren, as well as keeping busy around the house and at her local church. She also devoted herself to working on a memoir to share her journey through an abusive childhood that led to struggles with drug use before she proclaimed, “God turned my life around.”
Stewart’s path to becoming a regular plasma donor wasn't straightforward. She looked into plasma donation as a way to make extra money back in her 40s, but fear held her back. She had heard rumors about the types of people who showed up at donation centers. Once, she even worked up the courage to visit, but she said, “discouraged, I walked away” after a nurse checking her in scared her off by showing her the needle and telling her it would hurt.
That curiosity continued to eat at her over the years until she decided to look into plasma donation again. She learned as much as she could, and what she discovered surprised her. She had no idea of the strict safety protocols or about the many types of people who rely on donated plasma. Stewart finally went back to visit a different plasma donation center, and her experience couldn't have been more different.
After completing the physical and questionnaires, she met the center manager, who assured her that their phlebotomists were wonderful and skilled.
"She encouraged me that there was nothing to be afraid of, and it made all the difference," Stewart said.
Unlike her first visit years prior, the atmosphere felt completely different. She felt comfortable and welcome, and has felt that way ever since.
The center manager also shared something that sparked Stewart's ongoing commitment: donated plasma had saved her own life while she went through treatment for cancer. Seeing someone face-to-face who benefited from this generous act created a powerful personal connection.
"I'm a giving person by nature. I now know [plasma donation] saves lives, and I just want to give back," Stewart explained. "Something I have is something someone else needs, and you can't put a price tag on saving a person's life."
Stewart has now donated more than 20 times and inspired several people in her own life to donate, including her friend Brandi and her son's wife.
For anyone considering becoming a plasma donor, "people who are capable shouldn't listen to any misconceptions and give it a try,” she encouraged. “Really, it's not like what most people think. For so many donors, it's not at all about the money. Doctors and lawyers and mommys and daddys and grandmas and grandpas can save a life! Anyone can do it!"
More Heroes
Find a donation center
Donate blood plasma. Be a hero. Locate a plasma donation center near you.
