Thanks to blood donors, I'm alive today!

[admin]

Tong Van Tan (34 years old, from Son La province) was diagnosed with thalassemia at the age of 7. However, due to the distance and financial difficulties, his parents couldn't take him to the hospital for blood transfusions. Years went by without treatment, leaving him increasingly weak and fatigued. In 2021, his condition worsened. He experienced dizziness, headaches, cramps, and full-body seizures followed by stiffness, causing excruciating pain.

At that point, he felt completely exhausted and couldn't imagine ever recovering. Even his family despaired, believing he might not survive. But he persevered with treatment. In October 2022, he borrowed money to seek treatment at the Central Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital. Since then, he has undergone monthly blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy.

Mr. Tan needs 3-4 units of blood each month. He has type O blood, a type frequently in short supply. Previously, when he was treated at a hospital in Son La province, blood supplies were often prioritized for emergency cases, leaving him waiting. He once waited 5 days for a blood transfusion from Hanoi!

Having experienced the agonizing wait for blood transfusions firsthand, Mr. Tan deeply appreciates the generosity of blood donors: "I need 36-40 units of blood per year, so I understand: It's thanks to blood donors that I'm alive today! I want to express my sincere gratitude to the compassionate donors who selflessly give their blood to save lives like mine. Thank you so much!"

Source: Central Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital