Jerry Bigelow's Story

Father Becomes Donor to Give Back to Others what was Given to Him: Life-saving Therapies for his Children

Jerry Bigelow

Jerry Bigelow is a 38-year old single father with four children who regularly gives plasma. "I donate because it gives me a sense of helping to contribute to those who need plasma," he says. "Although my donation may be small to me, it is good to know that it may help save a life." Jerry has personal experience with life-saving plasma protein therapies.

In 1992 during Hurricane Andrew, Jerry was taking cover in his family’s garage when a gas can tipped over, spilled on him and ignited. He suffered second degree burns and received plasma products during his weeklong stay at the Miami Burn Center.

Then in 2002, Jerry’s four young children were injured in a fiery car crash, sustaining serious burns. One son sustained second and third degree burns over 39 percent of his body. Another was injured with second degree burns over 11 percent of his body. A third son had third degree burns over 50 percent of his body. And, Jerry’s youngest son received the worst injuries with third degree burns over 69 percent of his body. The children all were treated at Shriner’s Burn Unit in Galveston, Texas, where they received plasma protein therapies throughout their hospitalization and recovery time. The length of hospitalization for the children ranged from one to six months. The children are doing well now and are very active.

Jerry has become a dedicated plasma donor. All four of his children visit the playroom at Austin Bio Med Lab, while Jerry donates his life-saving plasma. They enjoy coloring and playing with the other children in the playroom and have made many friends there. The center staff really enjoys having Jerry as a donor and appreciates having the chance to learn firsthand how their work helps save lives.