Shanghai doctor, Xiong Qian, became the city's first donor of hemopoietic stem cells to a foreigner in 2019 and the 423rd in total as her 414-ml of hematopoietic stem cell suspension has been flown to the United States.

It has been the 19th donation of hematopoietic stem cells to foreign patients (the 5th to Americans) since the city asked for donations, according to a report from Wenhui Daily.

Xiong, Department of Endocrinology director of Shanghai Gonghui Hospital, became a donor of the China Marrow Donar Program in December 2017.

She was notified on Oct. 19, 2018, that the Leukocyte antigen collected from her was initially paired with an American woman aged 50 plus and more tests were needed. The warm-hearted doctor said yes without hesitation.

After less than two months, there came the good news that Xiong's bone marrow was completely matched with that of the expat. She soon signed the donation consent.

Currently, the treatment of leukemia mainly relies on bone marrow transplantation with an effective cure rate of 75% - 80%.The chances of finding a match between different nationalities and races are very low.

Xiong completed the collection of hemopoietic stem cells at the beginning of January. She had to adjust her body condition in preparation for the donation. However, delivery to the expat had to be delayed because of fever and infection, expiring the period of validity.

So, Xiong had to receive a second blood draw and physical examination. But she totally understood because the transportation can only be implemented when the patient is fully prepared.

Thankfully, Xiong's hematopoietic stem cell suspension, airlifted in the company of professional personnel, has now safely arrived in the United States.