Michael Klim, Australian Olympians Lead Plasma Drive in Country
Michael Klim and Ian Thorpe are among the Australian Olympians leading a plasma drive in their country in October.
Klim is leading a group that includes Cooper Woods, Cathy Freeman and Cate Campbell to inspire plasma donation. The drive has the backing of the Australian Olympic Committee.
The ongoing donation drive is the “Go for Gold. Give Plasma” campaign that coincides with International Plasma Awareness Week from Oct. 5-9. It has set a goal of 15,000 donations to rectify a nationwide shortfall coming off the austral winter season in which plasma donations dip due to increased incidence of illness.
Klim is particularly passionate about the cause. He has a rare autoimmune disorder, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (DIFP) that requires intravenous immunoglobulin infusions ever six weeks. Those immune factors are one of many assets derived from plasma donation, and his dosages require up to 25 plasma donations.
Plasma donations contribute to care for immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, surgical patients, cancer treatment, pregnancy and trauma patients.
“Most people don’t know that plasma-derived medicines help people like me manage serious health conditions and make everyday life possible,” Klim said in a press release. “If you are eligible and well, please book an appointment now. Your donation could help someone like me.”
More than a million Australians are eligible to donate, but fewer than one percent do. Among those that will are Freeman and Campbell, who will turn out at Lifeblood’s Melbourne CD Donor Centre on Oct. 8.
“Olympians inspire us through their commitment to sport and their willingness to show up for their teammates and others,” Australian Olympic Committee Chief of Olympian Support Daniel Kowalski said. These are qualities that exist in communities right across our nation and can be demonstrated by Australians who donate much-needed plasma.”