Man donates stem cells to save young patient

On Tuesday, "Zhao Mingjun", a pseudonym, donated hemopoietic stem cells at the First Hospital of Jilin University, in Changchun of Jilin province, to save a child with a blood disease, becoming the province's 143rd hemopoietic stem cell donor, Jilin Daily reported.

The 35-year-old man, a native of Jilin city, has been donating blood for over a decade. It was during a voluntary blood donation that he learned about hematopoietic stem cell donation and registered as a volunteer at the China Marrow Donor Program on the spot.

In October last year, Zhao was informed that his blood marrow matched with a patient suffering from a blood disorder. When asked if he was willing to donate hemopoietic stem cells, he agreed without hesitation. He then underwent pre-donation procedures like health checks and blood samples.

However, the collection of the hemopoietic stem cells was delayed due to the patient's condition. Zhao maintained a close contact with the Jilin branch of the China Marrow Donor Program to learn about the progress of the donation.

"I'm aware that hematopoietic stem cell donation may be the only hope of overcoming the disease and having a new lease of life for the patient. I'm fully prepared for the donation. I hope he can hold on and give me the chance to help him," Zhao said.

In late February, Zhao, who was working in Shandong province, was notified that the hemopoietic stem cell harvest can finally be performed. He decided to fly to the hospital in Changchun to make the donation right away after learning the recipient was in a critical condition.

After completing the donation, Zhao said he hopes the young recipient can make a speedy recovery and grow up happily and healthily.