Thomas’ story: Proof that every plasma donation counts

Soccer practice, homework, bedtime stories — Thomas Gagen’s days look like those of any other 7-year-old. But tucked between school and fun is something most kids never have to put in their schedules: plasma transfusions every three weeks.

Why? They help keep him from constantly getting sick.

After years of unexplained illnesses and hospital stays, Thomas was diagnosed with specific antibody deficiency (SAD), a type of primary immune deficiency (PID) where one’s immune system cannot produce enough antibodies to help fight off infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and sinus infections. About half a million people in the U.S. are impacted by PIDs.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy infuses antibodies collected from donors into patients whose immune systems can’t produce enough of their own, helping them stay healthy.

“Within a month of his first plasma treatment, he was a different kid,” his mother, Beth Gagen, said. “He was a very sick child. He went from having no energy, sunken eyes, constantly sick and being very lethargic to being himself again, bouncing around and playing.”

That transformation, and Thomas’ continued health, was made possible by plasma donors — ordinary people whose generosity gives people like Thomas the chance to thrive.

The search for a solution

Before Thomas found his routine, his mother had to rely on something stronger than the medical charts: her instinct. From the moment he was born prematurely at just over 2 pounds, she sensed something wasn’t right.

Thomas’ early years were filled with relentless illness: chronic ear infections, constant coughing and repeated hospital stays. Despite reassurances, his symptoms persisted, and one night, Thomas stopped breathing, had to be given CPR and was rushed to the hospital. Beth refused to accept that this was just “normal” “sick kid” happenings.

Beth found a doctor who eventually diagnosed Thomas with SAD. It was the breakthrough they had been searching for and pointed them to what he needed: IVIG therapy, the “good medicine” as Thomas calls it.

Now, Thomas is keeping up with his two older brothers, joining Boy Scots and bouncing between baseball and soccer games. His diagnosis has also made him interested in pursuing medicine one day to help other people like him.

To the donors who make it possible, Beth says: “Thank you. You’re saving my son’s life. You may not know him personally or give him his specific dose, but you’re doing what people like Thomas need people to do.”