Donor Profiles
Father Becomes Donor to Give Back to Others what was Given to Him-Live-saving Therapies for his Children
Jerry Bigelow is a 38-year old single father with four children. "I donate because it gives me a sense of helping contribute to those who need plasma. 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 the life-saving nature of plasma 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 children were burned in a fiery car crash. Brandon, now age nine, sustained second and third degree burns over 39 percent of his body. Another son, Jerry, now eight, was injured with second degree burns over 11 percent of his body. Justin, who had third degree burns over 50 percent of his body, is now 6. The youngest child, Sean, who is now three, 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 products 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.
As Justin and Sean grow, they will require skin release surgery every three-to-six months until they reach the age of 21. All four 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. They are very outgoing and have made many friends, while at the center. The center staff really enjoys having Jerry as a donor appreciates having the chance to learn firsthand how their work helps save lives.