Helping Kids Fight COVID-19 in Intensive Care

Kimberly Gerland woke up one morning in late March with a cough and scratchy throat. The next day she had a fever, then tested positive for COVID-19. She had mild symptoms and quarantined at home for two weeks.

Kim returned to work as a nurse in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following a negative test. With a positive test for antibodies, she donated her plasma, eager to turn her experience into one that would help sick kids. “I learned a lot about COVID-19 plasma and how it might help those fighting the virus,” says Kim.

She started her nursing career seven years ago at Children’s National Hospital. “The supportive environment and the dedication of the people I work with inspire me every day,” says Kim, who was determined to get back to work as soon as it was safe. “I love that giving a part of myself might have helped very sick children in our PICU.”

Kim was the first person to donate plasma with COVID-19 antibodies in our blood donor center. She has donated twice so far. "I want to help people,” she says. “That's why I'm a nurse.”