Officials from the Shanghai Stem Cell Donation Bank have
revealed that between 10 and 20 percent of people who register with
them pull out when asked to actually make a donation.
They said donating stem cells isn't dangerous or harmful and
those who sign up with the bank should follow through with their
offer to help people in need if asked.
Around 100 people with leukemia have been matched for transplant
since the bank was established in 1992, but less than 40 have so
far received the much needed surgery.
"We lose contact with some donors after they change address or
phone numbers, and some refuse due to personal reasons like health
problems and plans to have a baby," said Sun Hongying of the
Shanghai Red Cross, which operates the bank. "Some are just afraid
of possible damage to their own health."
Doctors say that stem cell donation is a tried and tested
technique, and donors aren't in any danger and don't suffer any
pain. They recover fully from the operation within a week. "They
shouldn't let those patients down when a donation is their last
chance," Sun added.
Officials have expressed concerns about schools and companies
organizing groups to register with the stem cell bank.
"Since many donors sign up on the spur of the moment or are
simply following others, they don't think the process through
clearly," said Zhang Jin, another Red Cross official. "Since the
bank has to pay 500 yuan for a blood check for every registered
donor, we want all donors to stay in contact and promise to help if
needed."
The city's stem cell bank is the biggest in the nation with some
43,000 registered donors.
(Shanghai Daily November 10, 2004)
