Man donates stem cells to save Brazilian patient

A man surnamed Zheng has become the first volunteer in the China Marrow Donor Program to donate hematopoietic stem cells to a Brazilian patient.

Born in the 1980s, Zheng is a father of two and runs a plastic steel factory in Shenzhen. In 2022, Zheng joined the program at a blood donation event, where he discovered that hematopoietic stem cells could offer life-saving hope to patients with blood diseases.

Zheng poses for a photo with a certificate from the China Marrow Donor Program. Zheng is the first volunteer in the program to donate hematopoietic stem cells to a Brazilian patient. Shenzhen Evening News

When Zheng discovered that he was a match for a patient, he did not hesitate. "I knew the chances of being a match were slim, but as an ordinary citizen, I felt both proud and fortunate to help. My hope is that my small act can bring warmth to others and inspire kindness in society."

Following a four-hour procedure, the life-saving stem cells were swiftly transported to the hospital of the recipient patient.

As of Jan. 9, Guangdong Province has registered over 161,000 volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donors, with 2,205 successful donations. Among these, 26 donations have helped patients outside of China, in countries such as the United States, South Korea, France, Australia, and Brazil.

According to the Shenzhen Evening News, Guangdong has led the nation in annual stem cell donations for 10 consecutive years.