Blood donors help restore girl's health

Students band together to assist child with severe disease

At a square near Yongzhou Vocational Technical College in Hunan province, a mobile blood donation vehicle is surrounded by students ready to donate their blood to a 7-year-old girl who has thalassemia, a hereditary disease resulting in mild to severe anemia.

Li Qinghui, a sophomore majoring in nursing, rolled up his sleeve to give his blood. As the needle pierced his vein, crimson blood flowed through transparent tubing into the storage bag — each drop carrying hope for life. This specially designated blood donation would become vital nourishment for Xinxin, a 7-year-old girl battling severe thalassemia.

Across campus, 24 student volunteers like Li have been mobilized for Xinxin, who should have been enjoying carefree childhood play, but has been shackled by this blood disorder since 2020.