Local man donates plasma after COVID-19 recovery
This is a testimony told to CK Public Health by Wayne Authier, with permission to distribute.
“I want to turn a bad thing into something good.”
Wayne Authier, a 52 year old man was shocked when he learned that he was the first positive case of novel coronavirus (now COVID-19) in Chatham-Kent, after he returned from holiday in early March 2020 before the pandemic had been declared. After feeling unwell for a couple of days during his mandatory self-isolation period, he tested positive for the virus.
The first experience Wayne had with CK Public Health was the personal phone call from Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health.
“It was an honest and blunt conversation, but I understand why it had to happen,” said Authier. Less than 24 hours after the call, Wayne was phoned by a Public Health Nurse with CK Public Health who assisted in contact tracing, health monitoring and updates.
“CK Public Health gave me lots of good advice and ensured I was doing ok. They checked up on me every other day, while at the same time giving me space to recover from the virus.”
After 17 days of quarantine, and 2 months recovered, Wayne wanted to give back to public health for assisting in his recovery. He was reading a news article online when he noticed an advertisement from Canadian Blood Services for the convalescent plasma donation program: specifically for those who had recovered from COVID-19.
Wayne Authier and his wife, Anne Marie Authier.
“During my illness, I experienced outrage and anger towards me from strangers. I’m not a bad person and wanted to turn my bad experience into something good,” said Authier.
“If I can help with a cure or vaccine, then I would like to help!”
After filling out a form on Canadian Blood Services’ website, Wayne went through a series of interviews and questions from Canadian Blood Services. Once the information was verified, he received a call that he was a successful candidate for plasma donation. Donating plasma as a former COVID-19 patient is beneficial to public health, as plasma contains antibodies used to fight the virus. Researchers can use these antibodies to help develop a potential treatment or vaccination for COVID-19.
“I am grateful to CK Public Health for looking after me the way they did. They have and remain to do a good job during the COVID-19 pandemic. I realize one case was a handful and now more, I have sympathy and respect for the time and effort.”
Wayne will be donating plasma through the Canadian Blood Services at the Canadian Cross in London on May 30. For more information on the convalescent plasma donation program, please visit the Canadian Blood Services’ Convalescent Plasma page or phone 1 (888) 236-6283.
To learn more about how COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent, visit the CK Public Health website or phone the COVID-19 line at (519) 355-1071 ext 1900.