Kimberly Grimm
Kimberly Grimm was diagnosed in March of 2000 with a rare blood disease called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP). This life-threatening disorder, which results in small blood clots within the blood vessels and a deficiency of platelets, is classified as an autoimmune disease. Without early diagnosis and treatment, numerous organs are affected, along with neurological complications, renal problems and even death.
The main treatment for TTP is plasma therapy. This procedure involves removing a patient's bad plasma and replacing it with good plasma from a healthy volunteer donor.
"The two hour plasma therapy treatment makes me feel tired but has saved my life numerous times," said Kimberly. "I am currently recovering from my third episode. I've had more than 110 treatments. Each treatment requires 15 units of plasma, so I estimate approximately 1,650 units have been used to save my life."
Following each treatment, Kimberly's body goes into complete remission and she is able to live a normal life. Then without cause, a relapse will occur and she requires repeated treatments. Due to this ongoing need for blood, Kimberly has taken it upon herself to stop at Red Cross blood mobiles and personally thank donors for giving blood. She has even made a small brochure to share her story with others.
"I tell blood donors that I really appreciate their donation because it has saved my life. And I thank them on behalf of all those other patients in need, because blood saves lives every day," said Kimberly.