The Fight Is In Us campaign is calling upon all COVID-19 survivors across the nation, including Arizonans to donate their plasma to help those who are suffering from the virus.
Its message is to provide those survivors with the vital antibodies in their blood plasma that could be used to help others fight off the disease, or better yet, to create a medicine to potentially treat it.
In a press release, the campaign describes itself as a coalition made up of various medical and research institutions, blood centers among other companies and organizations coming together to support the rapid development of potential new therapies for patients with the coronavirus.
Some of the organizations involved in this united effort include Microsoft, Grifols, the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance, and the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program led by the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic has several locations in Arizona, including two main campuses in Scottsdale and Phoenix, and Michael J. Joyner M.D., who’s an anesthesiologist with the Mayo Clinic, stresses that reaching as many volunteers as possible is essential.
“It’s important to know that convalescent plasma is a biological product that has to be obtained from a specific set of patients who have recovered from COVID-19. It cannot be made in a lab. There’s no other source,” he said.
With its numerous organizations and institutions as part of this campaign, many prominent celebrities and athletes voice their approval of the campaign, like Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson, and several players from the NBA.
Johnson, who tested positive with the coronavirus along with his family back in September is now urging those who have recovered from the virus to donate their plasma and be a hero in the process.
“COVID-19 is still impacting so many people. If you’ve survived it, you’re the heroes we need,” Johnson said. “The plasma in your blood can literally save lives, but we have to act fast, so please donate. You fought for your life, now let’s work together to take down COVID-19.”
The Fight Is In Us campaign has been in existence since May of 2020, and with the year that has followed, Arizona has become one of the main states that the campaign has continued to focus on.
Over 500,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Maricopa County alone, and The Fight Is In Us is trying to spread their ongoing message of heroism as they’re looking for more donors in Phoenix.
Thousands have already donated in this effort, leading to quick and better recoveries for those suffering from the virus, a couple even thanked their donor through the anonymous website thankthedonor.org.
“My husband and I both took treatments. We are in our 70s. We do have health and good lungs on our side but truly believe the plasma has helped in fast recovery,” one person said. “Can never thank you enough.”
If you or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19 and are interested in helping others battle this virus through plasma donations, you can find out if you’re eligible or other information at thefightisinus.org.
Contact the reporter at jaross16@asu.edu
