Amid fast-paced life, some women quietly live beautifully in their own ways. They are mothers teaching children with love and compassion, girls diligently sowing goodness in daily life, or entrepreneurs bringing value to the community.

Hien, 47, who lives and works in Hanoi, first participated in voluntary blood donation in March 2014, in a program supporting traffic‑accident patients launched by her agency.

At that time, she did not know much about voluntary blood donation, and seeing the needle made her so nervous that her eyes shut tight.

But when she realised this meaningful act could give many patients hope to live, she was moved and resolved to try this noble deed many more times.

“After that time, I actively looked up information on the website of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion and found out I can donate whole blood or blood components (also called platelet donation). Whenever days and conditions allow, I go to nearby donation points at home or office to contribute my small strength," Hien said.

Every three weeks, Hien visits the hospital for check-up and platelet donation.

The Covid-19 wave 2020-2022 was the only period when her donation schedule interrupted due to quarantine, lockdown at residence.

When quarantine ended, she hurried to donation points.

Over the last 11 years, Hien has donated blood 91 times. Among them, whole blood donation 17 times (15 voluntary at Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 2 emergency at Viet Duc Hospital) and platelet donation 74 times.

"Minimum interval between two whole blood donations is 84 days, for platelets 21 days.

Because platelet donation can be done more frequently and suitable for my physique, I choose this form to participate regularly," the 46-year-old woman said.

Hien remembers the emergency blood donation at Viet Duc Hospital in 2018. The victim was a man with severe accident, but no family member had matching blood type for donation. A relative of the victim, knowing Hien often participated in voluntary blood donation, immediately called for help.

Seeing the emergency, Hien took half-day leave, hurriedly traveled a few kilometers to the hospital.

"He had very severe accident, bystanders thought he wouldn't survive and burned votive papers for him. Luckily, the victim was timely rescued and transfused, overcoming critical condition, gradually recovering,” she recalled.

“Later, his family found me to thank and offered gifts, but I refused, accepting nothing but their heart. I think anyone in that situation would do the same, because saving life is most important," Hien shared.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle to donate blood

Hien said she applies a well-balanced nutrition regime in daily meals, especially iron- and vitamin-rich foods to ensure stable health, thus maintaining frequent, long-term donation.

Additionally, she maintains a walking habit, light exercise daily for healthy body, and a relaxed mind. Before donation day, she rests fully and drinks lots of water for best condition.

“Once I went to the hospital but couldn’t donate because my plasma was cloudy, and they could not collect platelets because I ate too much protein at lunch. At that moment, I felt very disappointed. After being advised by doctors I gained experience. Close to the donation day I will limit foods high in protein like meat, eggs, milk, fish…” she recalled.

Working for an event organizing company, she revealed that despite her busy job she often arranges the early part of the workday to go donate blood or platelets. She also tries to arrange her office and family schedule so as not to miss a donation date. 

In many urgent mobilisation drives for emergency surgeries, she did not hesitate to stop her work mid‑way to hurry to the hospital to donate, then quickly return to continue her work. Fortunately, she has full support from her agency leaders, colleagues and family, who create optimal conditions for her to engage in this meaningful activity.

Moved by her mother’s act, her daughter Pham Thao Nhi (born 2006) also enthusiastically registered to donate blood when she turned 18. After one year, Thao Nhi has donated blood five times and continues to carry out the noble act inspired by her mother.

Amid fast-paced life, some women quietly live beautifully in their own ways. They are mothers teaching children with love and compassion, girls diligently sowing goodness in daily life, or entrepreneurs bringing value to the community.

Vo Thu