Sparking Hope with Eight Milliliters of Blood

Campus

In a recent effort to expand life-saving resources, the Medical School of Tianjin University held a hematopoietic stem cell blood sampling event on its Weijin Road Campus. The event drew 68 participants, including university faculty, students, and public volunteers, all of whom enrolled as potential donors in the China Marrow Donor Program (CMDP).

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains one of the only viable treatments for severe blood diseases such as leukemia. By donating stem cells and entering their data into the CMDP, volunteers participate in a "life-saving hope project." In China, around 4 million people suffer from blood-related illnesses, with 40,000 new cases of leukemia each year, over half of which affect children. Though the CMDP has over 3.4 million registered donors, it still cannot meet the urgent demand for matched stem cells. By contributing just 8 milliliters of blood, volunteers make their genetic data available for life-saving matches, offering hope to countless patients.

This event was organized in partnership with the Heping District Red Cross Society, the Tianjin University Youth League Committee, the University’s Logistics Department, and the Medical School. The Youth Volunteer Associations from the school led the on-site organization and management. Before the event, teachers and students conducted extensive promotional efforts both online and offline. Brochures titled “Ten Questions and Answers About Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation” were distributed widely, and service stations were set up to answer questions and ease concerns.

During the event, participants were guided through a structured procedure. Under staff guidance, they first signed a “Consent Form for Volunteer Donors” before donating their 8 milliliters blood. After the blood sampling, they rested in a designated area, where they were provided with chairs, hot water, snacks, and drinks for comfort. Each participant received an honorary certificate from the Heping District Red Cross Society.

The event attracted a diverse range of donors, from Tianjin University teachers and students to alumni with personal connections to leukemia patients. Among the volunteers were international students from countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Gao Ya, a Malaysian international student, shared the opinion, “Participating in hematopoietic stem cell sampling was a new experience for me. It gave me a precious chance to help others, and I’ll continue to participate whenever possible.” Zhang Kuo, a representative from the Tianjin University Medical School, added, “This experience serves as life education for our students. We hope it encourages them to respect life and fosters a warmer campus and social environment.”

By：Lu Ruotong

Editor: Qin Mian