Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

A TOTAL of 3,327 blood donors and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donors as well as volunteers were honored for their contributions in donating and volunteering at a ceremony held at Shenzhen Media Group in Futian District yesterday. Over 2.9 million viewers watched the ceremony online.

Touching stories of the city’s “blood heroes” who donated blood and marrow, as well as excellent representatives of volunteer services were shared during the ceremony in a stage play, cross talk and video clips.

While some people carry business cards with them when they go out, organ donation cards are something that the couple Guo Mingxiao and Li Xiaohong must carry with them every day because, in the event of an accident, they can contact the Red Cross Society using the information on the card to donate organs to people in need.

Guo, unable to donate blood due to health issues, maintains a positive attitude and encourages his wife to continue volunteering. He supported her to become the leader of a volunteer service team, where she also teaches more about the notion of volunteering.

In 2002, He Xiaoqing and Wang Mingmin received and donated stem cells, respectively. Despite the passage of time, they remain as close as a family.

“We have the same bond as genuine brothers. I got a brother as a result of a random act of kindness at that time, and I assisted him in forming a lovely family. I think it is well worth it. If I had a second chance, I would donate without hesitation,” Wang remarked.

“I don’t know who you are, but I appreciate it!” In 1993, this heart-warming and powerful slogan signaled the start of voluntary blood donation in Shenzhen. In the last 28 years, 4.86 million people have donated blood in the city, helping save 1.62 million lives.

Shenzhen officially started Shenzhen Stem Cell Bank on Aug. 1, 2000, taking the lead in China’s voluntary HSC donation program. So far, 54,000 blood donors in Shenzhen have agreed to become HSC donors, and 451 unrelated HSC donations have been registered in the city, according to Shenzhen Blood Center.