Vietnamese woman donates blood 30 times in 15 years to save lives

Tuyen has donated blood 30 times, a commitment that began after she watched a loved one struggling through a medical emergency that required a transfusion. 

The experience left a lasting impact and inspired her to become a regular donor.

Tuyen, who studied pharmacy at Ha Tinh Medical College, worked briefly at a commune health station before pursuing other opportunities that allowed her to travel more. 

But no matter how busy her life got, she never turned away from a call to help. 

Whether during scheduled drives or emergency late-night calls, Tuyen showed up.

One moment that still lingers in her memory happened nine years ago. 

Late one night in 2016, she received a call from Ha Tinh City General Hospital. 

A woman was experiencing severe postpartum bleeding, and the blood bank was empty. 

Though she had only recently donated, Tuyen rushed to the hospital and gave again. 

Her donation helped save both the mother and her newborn.

Another time that same year, she traveled more than 50 kilometers after learning that a young child needed blood urgently.

After the donation, the boy's father, who was struggling financially, tried to hand her a small pack of milk and VND200,000 (US$7.7) in gratitude.

"I was moved to tears," Tuyen recalled. "I gently declined and told him to use it for his son. Just knowing I helped save the boy was enough."

Tuyen's journey began with occasional donations during her school time, but it became a personal mission after she saw her own family rely on the generosity of strangers. 

Since then, she has given more than 7,500 milliliters of blood.

And her commitment does not stop there. Tuyen has registered with Vietnam's National Coordination Center for Human Organ Transplantation to donate her organs and tissues after death. 

"I don't know if I'll be able to help anyone," she said, "but I made this decision from the voice of my conscience."

She lives with her husband, a professional driver, and their two sons. Her family stands firmly behind her. 

Her husband supports her passion but reminds her to stay healthy. Her father-in-law, she said, is especially proud.

Over the years, Tuyen has received multiple awards and commendations from local authorities, including the Ha Tinh Red Cross Society, the Thach Ha District People's Committee, and the Ha Tinh People's Committee. 

She is currently the only person in the province nominated by the local Red Cross to be honored nationally for her contributions in 2025.

"Tuyen is an exceptional case," said Tran Thi Hai Viet, vice-chairwoman of the Ha Tinh Red Cross Society. 

"She's not only a long-time blood donor but someone who has committed herself to helping others, even after death. 

"Her story spreads a spirit of humanity and compassion that lifts our whole community."

For Tuyen, that is more than enough. 

"What is given," she says simply, "is everlasting."