Teacher gives the gift of life a 2nd time
Print Edition
A YOUNG teacher from the southeastern province of Fujian has donated stem cells to Germany’s bone marrow bank to help a 5-year-old girl with leukemia.
Yang Yilin, 27, who works at an early education institution in Xiamen City, is the first person from China to make a donation to the German facility.
And Yang is also the first person in Fujian to twice donate the blood forming stem cells, the West Strait Morning Post reported yesterday.
In 2012, Yang donated hematopoietic stem cells to the same girl, whose family later emigrated to Germany.
However, leukemia returned late last month and the family turned to Yang.
“I have to try to save her,” Yang told his mother, Peng Dalan.
“Every day, I am fortunate enough to teach adorable students. The thought that this girl is just a little kid like them made up my mind for me: I had to go,” Yang said.
Yang joined the China Marrow Donor Program in 2010, after donating blood.
In August 2012, he was told that his bone marrow matched the seriously ill girl’s and was asked if he would undergo further tests.
At first Yang was unsure, but agreed after discussing it with his family.
Following the first stem cell transplant, the little girl’s health recovered.
Last Monday, Yang flew to Beijing and underwent the procedure, which took more than 3 hours, at the PLA Air Force General Hospital.
Accompanied by his mother, he seemed relaxed during the process, wearing headphones and singing songs, the newspaper reported.
“I am so proud of my son for his bravery and kindness,” Peng said. “I always think he should decide what to do in his life.”
Liu Weixin, deputy director of the China Marrow Donor Program, presented Yang with a certificate of honor.
Officials from the German bone marrow bank gave the teacher chocolates, a present from the girl’s mother.
The child has received the transplant but her condition has not been revealed.
“I hope she recovers and has a happy childhood. Then my contribution will be worthwhile,” Yang said.
A Xiamen City Central Blood Station official said donating stem cells doesn’t affect a donor’s health.
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