Historic stem-cell donation goes to child with leukemia
A 22-year-old university student donated stem cells to a 1-year-old leukemia patient on Friday. This marks the 10,001st donation in China and the 500th in the city, according to the Red Cross Society of China Shanghai Branch.
Stem cells from Qian Yanping were sent directly to Henan Province soon after the collection at Renji Hospital on Friday afternoon. Renji also became the city's third hospital eligible for stem cell collection on the same day.
About 100 medical professionals from Renji have also donated their own samples to the local red cross' stem cell donor bank.
Qian contributed to the donor bank the Red Cross in early July, informing her that she matched an infant with leukemia. Qian agreed immediately to the Red Cross’ request for a donation.
“I am happy that I can save the life of a young baby and hope the patient can gain health in the future,” she said.
Dr Hou Jian, director of Renji Hospital’s hematology department, said the chances of finding a matched donor in the bank are about one in 10,000.
“The more donors in the bank, the greater the chances in finding a match,” Hou said, “We encourage more people to join the bank to help patients in need.”
Qian Yanping, a local university student, donates stem cells to save a 1-year-old child with leukemia at Renji Hospital on Friday.
Renji Hospital becomes the city's third hospital eligible for stem cell donations and transplants.
