Couple unable to donate lifesaving plasma in the United States
Due to changes in U.S. border policy, they no longer able to donate plasma in in the U.S.
Many people are inspired to donate plasma after seeing how meaningful it is for a loved one to have access to a lifesaving treatment or medicine.
Such was the case with Dehiri Orona Dominguez and Jesus Figeroa when their young son was facing severe medical challenges before being diagnosed with diabetes and getting the care he needed.
Realizing how much having access to insulin injections and other medications meant to their family inspired them to explore how they could help others.
Dehiri and Jesus heard about plasma donation from a close friend and felt compelled to help out other children and adults who benefit from therapies made from plasma. The couple has been donating for nearly 7 years, making the trip to the U.S. as often as two times per week from their home in Chihuahua, Mexico to a donation center in El Paso, Texas.
“Donating plasma makes us both feel amazing, and we like to help others,” said Dehiri. “We know for a fact it saves lives. We were so scared when our son was sick, and thank God his diabetes is now under control, and he has access to the medication and care he needs.”
In addition to the emotional stress of working to keep their son’s diabetes under control, the cost of his insulin has been a financial stressor for their family. Payments for donating plasma help offset the cost of medications and glucose test strips.
Recent changes to Mexican/U.S. border regulation enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have put a hold on the couple’s ability to donate for now. Dehiri and Jesus are hopeful the situation will change soon so they will be able to make donations and get back to helping others in a significant way.
Update:
As of September 19, 2022, the United States District Court has granted a preliminary injunction that prevents U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from enforcing a ban that affects Mexican nationals entering the United States with B1/B2 visas to donate plasma. Learn more!
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