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American Red Cross hopeful that formerly-infected COVID-19 patient plasma can help boost immune systems of those who are critically ill

Hospitals are hopeful that antibodies in the plasma of fully recovered patients will help those who are suffering.

COLORADO, USA — A Colorado woman is looking to give back in a big way after recovering from COVID-19. 

Lin Szydlo had the virus at the end of March, but has since made a full recovery. Now she's looking to answer a hospital's call for plasma donation in hopes that the antibodies in her plasma will help others recover.

RELATED: Recovered COVID-19 patients donating plasma in hopes of helping critically ill

American Red Cross is coordinating with the FDA to allow plasma donations from donors who have previously tested positive for the virus but have been symptom-free for 14 days and register a negative test now.

Children's Hospital Blood Donor Center in Colorado received 11 donations from patients who previously had the virus.

"Not very many people have the great opportunity in life to help someone else live - to continue their life. And it would just be a humbling honor to be able to do that," Szydlo said.

Doctors are still unsure if the treatment works, but they are hopeful. 

Szydlo will be tested again for the virus, and if her test comes back negative she will be able to make an appointment to give plasma. "So I thought what a wonderful- sorry I get emotional. What a wonderful thing to be able to do to make a simple donation and help someone's life."

If you've recovered from COVID-19, you can help too. Visit the American Red Cross website at https://www.redcrossblood.org/  for more information on how you can help.

Click here for our coronavirus section.

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