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Singapore benefactor meets stem cell transplant siblings

A Singaporean national who is donating money to partially pay for a stem cell transplant for a young boy visited the child and his sister yesterday at Shanghai Children's Medical Center.

The siblings' story has taken several twists.

Jiang Yuelan, 10, ran away last Tuesday while her younger brother Jiang Shubao was awaiting a stem cell transplant from his sister to treat aplastic anemia. She was found on Saturday in Minhang District and returned to her family the next day.

The Singaporean, who only identified himself as Chee, said he was astonished when he read in Shanghai Daily last Friday that the girl was missing. He was worried for both children.

"I've read about several cases of children being abducted and sold in the newspaper, and I was frightened," Chee said.

Chee, a retired engineer, donated 50,000 yuan (US$7,290) to the hospital to partially cover the 100,000 yuan in medical expenses for Jiang Shubao.

Chee, who has lived in the city for 10 years, has four children. He said he wanted to help because he had seen many needy people in other provinces such as Shaanxi and Gansu.

"I think they need someone to do something for them," he said.

Dr Chen Jing from the hospital's hematology-oncology department said the stem cell transplant will be performed on June 3. Jiang Yuelan will be hospitalized on June 1 or 2.

Two weeks ago, 150 milliliters of blood was extracted from Jiang Yuelan. The blood contains some stem cells that will be used in the transplant. But doctors also need to extract about 400 milliliters of bone marrow from the girl's spine to complete the transplant. She will be under partial anesthesia during the procedure.

"She will be discharged soon afterward if the extraction goes smoothly," said Chen.




 

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