CLEVELAND, Ohio — With a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country, leaders from the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region say the organization is facing an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma donations.
“We actually have more donations of the product going out than what’s coming in,” explains Communications Manager Christy Peters.
“It’s a really special thing if you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you’re feeling better and you’re completely symptom free, we need you right now especially as we face this emergency need for product.”
The plasma from those who've recovered is used to help those who are currently fighting.
There are studies happening to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, but for radio broadcaster and preacher Jae Williams, he’s ready to help others.
He says he spent 24 days on a ventilator and his family was told he would not survive his battle with the virus.
“So I’m alive and they break the news you’re not going to walk…you’re not going to talk and you are not going to have the ability to use your lungs, you’re going to be on a kidney machine for the rest of your life,” he says.
At some point he lost his faith, but his wife, family and others continued to pray.
While he’s walking with a cane, the other potential issues are no longer a concern.
“He healed me, He actually healed me,” Williams said while crying. “I don’t know how He did it for me, I see so many people die, he could’ve let me go, I probably caused more problems for God than anybody.”
Now he’s using his story to encourage others to wear a mask and stay safe.
“It helps people understand that the virus is real,” he says “God has a purpose beyond my imagination.”