An 11-year-old girl diagnosed with leukemia is preparing to undergo a stem cell transplant at Shanghai Children's Medical Center thanks to the city's first community-run mutual aid fund.
Wuliqiao subdistrict in Luwan District set up the fund last year, which all enterprises in the region are required to donate money to. So far, 74 companies in the community have donated some 500,000 yuan (US$60,241) to the fund.
Li jie, the 11-year-old girl, is currently waiting for stem cells from a matched donor in Shenzhen. If everything goes smoothly, the stem cells will be transplanted into Li next Monday. And they will grow into healthy bone marrow cells.
Doctors said the operation is the only hope to save Li's life.
"She has been in critical condition and surgery is the last straw for her," said a spokeswoman for Shanghai Children's.
Li and her family nearly had to turn down the treatment due to financial problems.
"I have told my parents many times to stop the treatment. How can we find the money to cover the expenses?" said the girl.
Li is the biggest beneficiary of the fund so far. It has paid some 100,000 yuan to cover her medical bills for the transplant.
Moreover, the hospital is also trying to collect donations for Li, whose total medical expenses could top 300,000 yuan.