Each year thousands of New Zealanders give part of themselves away for nothing in return. In Stuff’s five-part series, Hannah Martin spoke to those who give and receive everything from organs to sperm about the lifesaving and life-changing effects of their actions.

Each time she spikes a fever or gets a sniffle, Katie has the help of hundreds to fight it.​

Swirling around the 24-year-old Wellington woman’s bloodstream is a plasma-product made from the “gift” of blood donors.

Katie, who does not want her last name used, has an immune disorder called selective antibody deficiency (SAD), and is one of many New Zealanders who relies on blood donations to stay well, and stay alive.

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