CalPlasma Ambassadors
Eric Butcher
Founder, Alpha-1​Liver Disease Support Group​
& Bakersfield resident living with Alpha-1
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Eric Butcher is a dedicated Support Group Leader, Peer Guide, and Grassroots Advocacy Ambassador with the Alpha-1 Foundation. He founded both the Bakersfield Alpha-1 Support Group and the global Alpha-1 Liver Disease Support Group, educating, advocating, and supporting those affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency—a rare genetic disorder that can cause damage to the lungs and/or the liver. While there is no cure for Alpha-1, symptoms can be managed with treatment from plasma-derived medicines. Eric actively partners with patients, caregivers, and policymakers to ensure no one faces Alpha-1 alone.
Jasmine Ahumada
Modesto resident living with common
variable immunodeficiency (CIVD)
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Jasmine Ahumada is a creative force on Instagram and YouTube, known for her captivating makeup looks. Behind her creative platforms, she lives with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a rare inborn immune disorder marked by low levels of key antibodies—IgG, IgM, and IgA. Her health depends on plasma-derived immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy, which provides the antibodies her body can’t produce on its own. While Jasmine is no longer involved in the beauty content community, she continues raising awareness about the vital role of plasma donations in supporting those with CVID.
Patty Calabro
Sacramento resident living with
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)​
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Patty Calabro became a health and plasma advocate after an unexpected diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The skilled medical team at UC Davis quickly recognized her condition and started her on IVIG—a plasma-derived medicine that Patty credits to saving her life. Now, Patty shares her story as a beacon of hope and strength, highlighting the essential role plasma donors play in providing life-saving medicines. Her advocacy shines a light on the generosity behind treatments that sustain hundreds of thousands of Californians every day.
Lynne Kinst
Executive Director, Bleeding Disorder
Council of California & Founder, California
Rare Disease Access Coalition
Lynne Kinst is the Executive Director of the Bleeding Disorders Council of California and a Founder of the California Rare Disease Access Coalition. For Lynne, hemophilia advocacy is deeply personal—her father and uncles were born with hemophilia B, and she grew up watching her father rely on blood and plasma transfusions to survive. Those treatments were his lifeline, and they inspire her commitment to increasing access to plasma-derived medicines alongside CalPlasma to support families like hers.
Zuiho "Z" Taniguchi
Board Member, Bleeding Disorders Council of California & Union City resident living with
von Willebrand disease (VWD)
Zuiho Taniguchi, a Board Member of the Bleeding Disorders Council of California, shares a unique bond with plasma advocacy – both he and his daughter were born with von Willebrand disease (VWD), a genetic bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process in the body. Watching his daughter navigate life with VWD fuels his passion for raising awareness and increasing access to plasma-derived medicines. Z channels his experience into action, working through CalPlasma to inspire others to donate and ensure a healthier future for his daughter and countless others like her.
Darlene Kiyan
Chief Executive Officer, St. Barnabas Senior Services & Los Angeles resident living with von Willebrand disease (VWD)
Darlene Kiyan, Chief Executive Officer of St. Barnabas Senior Services, lives with von Willebrand disease (VWD), a rare bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process, causing prolonged bleeding after an injury. She fiercely advocates for plasma donation, driven by firsthand experience with challenges of accessing care and managing high treatment costs. Darlene shares her story to raise awareness and push for change—reminding us that not all struggles are visible, and that every donation has the power to save a life.
