TULSA, Okla. — “My symptoms were very mild, but even mild symptoms are pretty uncomfortable,” Dana Deason said.
Deason contracted COVID-19 in early April after visiting Seattle on a business trip.
With only mild symptoms, she says it was unlike any illness she’s ever had.
No hospitalization was needed and she fully recovered within two weeks.
Now that she has the antibodies, she wants to help those who are still battling the virus.
“If there was any way I could help, so I was searching to see what options were available and this was one that came up,” Deason said.
She’s talking about donating convalescent plasma. It’s blood transfusion donated by recovered COVID-19 patients and has been recently found to be critical for those who are hospitalized.
“It seemed like a very easy way to help people,” Deason said.
Now donating for the second time, she’s encouraging others to do the same.
Sandy Neuzil with the Oklahoma Blood Institute said, “So, every blood drive we’re doing in July and August, we’re offering antibody testing to those who would like to be tested.”
By identifying COVID-antibodies through a blood drive, Neuzil says you could be helping in more ways than one.
“If you do, than that gives them the opportunity to potentially be a convalescent plasma donor,” Neuzil said.
Deason is encouraging everyone to donate if they have the opportunity.
If you would like to participate, the Oklahoma Blood Institute is holding its annual blood drive where you can be tested for antibodies.
It will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Bob Moore’s Chrysler and Dodge Dealership on Memorial Drive in Tulsa.
To make an appointment, visit the Oklahoma Blood Institute's website or call 877-340-8777.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
