Heroic Blood Donor Seeks Help After Suffering Stroke in China

Yang Xiuwei, a 59-year-old man from Chengdu in southwestern China, is known as the “blood donation king” for his extraordinary commitment to donating blood over 300 times in the past two decades. However, after suffering a stroke in late January, Yang and his family are now turning to the public for financial assistance.

While visiting a relative, Yang suddenly experienced dizziness and collapsed. His wife, Xie Suhua, quickly rushed him to a hospital where doctors diagnosed him with a cerebral infarction. The condition was caused by narrowing in the cerebellum, vermis, and a primary blood vessel in his brain. Doctors advised hospitalization for 10 to 14 days for observation.

Yang, who works as a cleaner, and Xie, who does not have stable employment, earn a modest 3,000 yuan (around $410) a month. They rely on Yang’s 90-year-old mother, who contributes to their rent from her pension. Their son, a migrant worker, did not return home for the Lunar New Year, leaving the couple to face the financial strain alone. After paying an initial deposit of 2,000 yuan for Yang’s treatment, Xie found that the medical costs had quickly escalated to 10,000 yuan, far beyond their means. With the total medical expenses still unclear, the couple has launched a crowdfunding campaign to seek help from the public.

Yang’s dedication to blood donation began in 2005, and he has since made 313 donations, helping at least 622 individuals. Most of his donations were blood platelets, making him the top blood donor in his province. His last donation was made just a few days before his stroke on January 18. Yang has always been passionate about blood donation, explaining that it was his way of helping others even though he never became a doctor. His wife supports his altruistic efforts, saying that his joy in giving brings her happiness, and she ensures he maintains a healthy diet to replenish his strength after each donation.

Despite his generally good health, Yang was taken by surprise when the stroke occurred. He had rarely been ill in the past, noting that even a common cold was uncommon for him. His story has resonated widely on Chinese social media, with many expressing their admiration for his selflessness and hoping that the community will come together to support him during this challenging time.

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