October 23, 2022 - an ordinary Sunday. In the non-related hematopoietic stem cell donation room of Shenzhen Blood Center, a life relay race was intensively underway.

The energetic young man on the donation bed was Lan Jiaqiang, an employee from the K-gold factory of Shenzhen Gemhorn Jewelry Co., Ltd. After four days of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization injections, he was finally able to bring hope for life to his never-met "teammate".

The story began in 2020. Then 21-year-old Lan Jiaqiang signed up for the company's blood donation drive but was unexpectedly told his low heart rate disqualified him. After examination at Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, he learned his athlete-level heart rate came from his basketball passion but didn't actually prevent donation. He subsequently donated blood at Luohu Central Book City's mobile blood bank and, following medical advice, joined China Marrow Donor Program as a volunteer stem cell donor.

Fate intervened in December 2021 when Shenzhen Blood Center first contacted him about matching a blood disease patient. The young man anxiously consulted doctors and previous donors. Learning it wouldn't harm his health, he overcame doubts and called his parents in Zhaoqing hometown.

"Your body, hair and skin are received from parents." Hearing his son would "harm himself" for a stranger, Mr. Lan was speechless with anger. The usually filial Jiaqiang vehemently disagreed with his father for the first time. His mother, though心疼, could only secretly remind him to rest after donation since she knew her strong-willed son.

The donation was eventually canceled as the recipient withdrew. Family tensions gradually eased.

In September 2022, Shenzhen Blood Center called again: "Your HLA typing uniquely matches a 17-year-old severe thalassemia patient whose survival depends on this transplant." Jiaqiang was told two previous matches had failed - one withdrew, the other failed physicals. He was the last hope.

This time, assuming parental acceptance, Jiaqiang immediately notified them. His furious father refused to speak, sending the elder brother to dissuade him. Friends also urged reconsideration. But Jiaqiang had one thought: "Play a great 'basketball game' with that 17-year-old and win this life match!"

"I can feel his struggle. So young... If I were him at 17, I'd want help too," said the basketball lover who cherished team battles. "Now he's my teammate. Achieving our common goal makes any fatigue worthwhile."

He quietly underwent retesting and physicals without informing parents. After passing all checks, the transplant was scheduled for October 23.

From October 19 at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, daily mobilization injections caused mild back discomfort. Doctors and volunteers provided round-the-clock support.

On donation day, a 12-member medical team supervised the 4-hour process. "Blood circulated externally - left arm out, right arm in. As stem cells were gradually collected, I felt mouth numbness (from anticoagulants). Calcium supplements quickly helped. The real heroes were the medical staff. Knowing my 'brother' would be saved made everything worthwhile!"

From January-October 2022, Shenzhen recorded 98 successful unrelated stem cell donations and 57,506 total registered donors.

On October 23, 23-year-old Lan became Shenzhen's 558th donor in 21 years. Though beaming in commemorative photos, he posted nothing on social media and returned to work silently. Only close colleagues and managers knew his absence's reason - until Shenzhen Blood Center's thank-you certificate arrived.

Gemhorn colleagues erupted:
"Someone donated!"
"So courageous!"
"I thought it was harmful?"
"I'll register as a donor too - might save a life someday."

GMOND Group Party Secretary Chen Jiayan and Deputy Secretary Chen Caibo visited, awarding a customized "Angel of Love" trophy. The modest hero confessed: "My father still doesn't know. We haven't spoken for two months. I'll prove I'm perfectly fine to ease their worries."

Lan Jiaqiang's sincere actions ignited life's light for another, exemplifying true公益 spirit! Let's follow his example - join blood donation drives to sustain lives!

See you on the bloodmobile this November 16!