At Yongzhou Vocational Technical College in Hunan province, a group of students gathered around a blood donation vehicle to help a 7-year-old girl named Xinxin, who is fighting thalassemia, a serious blood disorder. Xinxin has endured this condition since 2020 and needs regular blood transfusions to stay alive.
Li Qinghui, a nursing student, was one of those volunteers. He felt a mix of emotions as he donated his blood. Each drop he gave was a sign of hope for Xinxin. She requires two 400-milliliter blood transfusions each month, and her little arms bear marks from countless needles—a visible reminder of her struggle.
Xinxin’s parents have been searching tirelessly for a stem cell donor. In recent times, blood shortages have made finding matches even harder. Yongzhou Central Blood Station has reported that they only meet about 70% of the demand for blood donations.
"Thalassemia patients represent 10% of long-term blood recipients," explained Tang Wei, the director of blood collection at the station. Missing a blood transfusion can leave patients feeling weak and dizzy, which can be threatening.
Everything changed when her family reached out to the college’s "Red Bond" blood donation service. This initiative, started in March 2023 by a faculty member, has 530 members who regularly promote blood donation on campus. They quickly rallied help for Xinxin.
In just one day, 24 students, averaging 19 years of age, volunteered to donate. Among them was Tang Junjie, who recalls needing 1,600 milliliters of blood during a major surgery. "Blood donors gave me a second life when I was 17. Donating blood became my way of giving back," he shared.
For Xinxin’s mother, these students were more than just donors; they represented hope. The blood from these volunteers could sustain Xinxin for an entire year, and the "Red Bond" team is committed to continued recruitment to help others in need.
Recently, Xinxin expressed her gratitude through a drawing. "Big brothers and sisters, your blood sings in my body," she wrote, capturing the love and support surrounding her. This small gesture highlights the powerful impact of community and compassion, where youthful enthusiasm meets the urgent need for healing.
Blood donation not only saves lives; it builds connections. In a world where medical needs are growing, initiatives like "Red Bond" are vital. According to recent statistics, the demand for blood donations has surged by 20% since 2020. Programs that encourage young people to donate blood can make a significant difference long term, turning altruism into action and ensuring that hope continues to flow.
For more information on blood donation and its importance, you can visit American Red Cross.
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