Construction Worker Donates Blood 100 Times, Overcame Skepticism to Save Lives in Vietnam | Thanh Niên (VN) Article Translation

For over 30 years, Lê Trung Hậu has dedicated himself to a cause many once considered 'unconventional': donating blood. Now 50, the construction worker from Ho Chi Minh City has reached a remarkable milestone, having donated blood 100 times. His journey began in 1994 when he joined youth union activities and registered as a volunteer blood donor.

Initially, Hậu faced significant challenges. In the 1990s, blood donation was not widely understood, and his efforts to persuade others were met with suspicion and even hostility. He recounts being verbally abused and threatened by people who believed he was endangering others by encouraging them to donate. "I was cursed at and threatened many times, but I wasn't afraid," Hậu recalled. "I had been trained and understood that donating blood is meaningful, so I calmly explained it bit by bit, hoping people would understand and change their minds."

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Bị chửi mắng, dọa đánh nhiều lắm nhưng tôi không sợ. Mình đã được tập huấn, hiểu hiến máu là việc làm có ý nghĩa nên cứ bình tĩnh giải thích từng chút một, mong người ta hiểu rồi thay đổi suy nghĩ.

Hậu's persistence and sincerity gradually won people over. Beyond his personal donations, which increased from 250ml to 450ml per session, he inspired many young people to join him. His commitment is underscored by a memorable incident where he rushed over 20 kilometers during his lunch break from a construction site to the hospital. He received an urgent call that a child needed type A blood for heart surgery, and his blood type matched.

"At that moment, I just thought I had to get there as quickly as possible to donate blood. The sooner I arrived, the more hope the child would have," he said emotionally. The surgery was successful, bringing him immense relief. When the child's family offered a gift to express their gratitude, Hậu politely declined. "I donate blood to save people; I have never expected anything in return. My only hope is that my blood can give patients a better chance at life," he stated.

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Tôi hiến máu để cứu người, chưa bao giờ mong nhận lại điều gì. Tôi chỉ mong một điều duy nhất là những giọt máu của tôi có thể giúp bệnh nhân có thêm cơ hội sống.