The Thien Chanh 2 voluntary blood donation team, established with just a few members, has expanded to 37 participants, including 15 core donors who each contribute at least four times.
Members, aged between 20 and 40, maintain detailed records of blood types and donation histories, ensuring swift mobilization for emergencies.
On September 12, the team responded to an urgent call for Pham Thi My Huong, 36, a dialysis patient suffering from severe kidney failure.
Four members traveled nearly two hours to Gia Lai provincial General Hospital, donating four units of blood. Huong received two units immediately, stabilizing her condition, while the remainder was stored for future emergencies.
Nguyen Van Dung, 22, one of the donors that day, recalled: “When I heard there was an urgent need for blood, I had just enough time for breakfast before heading out. Seeing the patient regain color after the transfusion was a relief.”
Huong expressed her gratitude, noting the team had also raised over 38 million VND (about USD 1,500) to cover her hospital fees in 2018.
“If it weren’t for the team members, I don’t think I would have made it. The community spirit here is truly precious,” she said.
Beyond Huong’s case, the team has supported around 15 disadvantaged patients in the ward, raising a total of 250 million VND (about USD 9,800) for medical costs.
Founded by local youth union official Nguyen Hoang Binh Thu, the group began with a Zalo chat to coordinate donations.
Today, it continues to operate with a “ready when called” spirit. “We don’t just stop at donating blood; we also try to ease patients’ financial burdens. Seeing them saved and healthy again is the greatest joy for our team,” Thu said.