My name is Emily, and this is my story.

Not long ago, my life changed in an instant when I was diagnosed with optic neuritis. What started as something I didn’t fully understand quickly turned into one of the most traumatic and terrifying experiences of my life. I was suddenly faced with the very real possibility of losing my eyesight — something you never truly think about until it’s at risk of being taken away.

The fear was overwhelming, not just for me but for my family as well. We were thrown into a situation filled with uncertainty, questions, and the unknown. To this day, we still don’t have clear answers as to what caused it.

In order to try and save my vision, I had to undergo plasma exchange treatment — something I had never even heard of before this. This wasn’t a simple process. I had to have surgery to insert tubes into a main artery in my neck so the treatment could be done.

Waking up from that surgery is something I will never forget. I was extremely sick, physically drained, and completely overwhelmed emotionally. It was the beginning of a long and exhausting journey.

For two weeks, I underwent multiple plasma exchange treatments. Each session took a toll on my body. I was exhausted, vulnerable, and scared, not knowing if any of it would actually work. My family stood by me through it all, watching me go through something none of us were prepared for.

Then came one of the scariest moments of my entire experience.

After finishing my plasma treatments, the tubes were removed from my neck. Shortly after, my neck began pouring blood. It was sudden, intense, and absolutely terrifying. In that moment, everything felt out of control. It wasn’t just frightening for me — it was something my family had to witness, and something none of us will ever forget.

In total, I spent a month and a half in hospital. A month and a half of fear, pain, uncertainty, and fighting to hold onto my vision. Even now, my journey isn’t over. I still have ongoing outpatient appointments and continue to live with the impact of everything that happened.

But through all of this, there is one thing I know for certain.

Plasma saved me.

Without plasma exchange treatment, I would not have my eyesight today. It didn’t just help me — it gave me my life back. It gave me the ability to see, to live normally, and to have a future that at one point felt like it was slipping away.

Before this, I never truly understood how important plasma donation is. Now, I understand that it is quite literally life-changing. It is the reason I am here today, able to share my story.

That’s why this GoFundMe means so much to me.

During the first week of October, National Plasma Awareness Week, I want to give back to the centre and the people who helped save my vision. I also want to raise awareness so that more people understand just how vital plasma donation is.

Because there are people out there, just like me, who are relying on it — people who are scared, uncertain, and hoping for a second chance.

If you are able to donate, share my story, or even consider becoming a plasma donor, it would mean more to me than I can ever fully express.

All donations will go to the hospital to help assist individuals in receiving plasma treatment. 

I am living proof that plasma saves lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of something that truly matters