Shanghai Daily News

In talking to Zhang Jiong in person, he is different than one would expect. In working harder, running faster, speaking louder and smiling often, the Zhabei native, who runs a computer maintenance company in the district, looks just like any ordinary and healthy person.

But on closer inspection, his pale lips, sallow complexion and hemorrhage spots on his arms reveal a past life that has involved much trauma.

In fact, the 34-year-old is a leukemia patient who has constantly struggled against chronic aplastic anemia, or CAA, for more than 28 years.

"I was diagnosed with leukemia because of a wrong dose of chloromycetin injection after dysentery. I was only six years old," he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I don't blame anybody. It's understandable that there are sacrifices in medical development and I'm the one. It's my destiny."

But his life, from then on was one of stormy seas and far from calm. He could not run, jump or even walk for long hours. "My body can not make blood, so I have to receive blood donations on a regular basis, otherwise I will die," he said.

Because the chloromycetin blocked the growth of his bone marrow and destroyed the function of the sanguification (the function to make blood), Zhang's platelets and white corpuscles are far less than normal.

During the most dangerous times, Zhang has to receive a weekly 600cc blood transfusion to stay alive.

In his body is blood donated by more than 2,000 people over the past 28 years. He estimates he has swallowed about 5,000 kilograms of Chinese herbal medicines over the past 15 years.

For a patient who has been at death's door several times, the subject of his passing is no longer taboo.

"I saw too many tragedies in hospital. All the patients in the ward died eventually except me. I know I'm a time bomb. No one is sure when it will blow up," Zhang said. "As my days count down, I have to do something meaningful; to live and live well although I'm an incurable."

In 2000 when he was in a stable condition, Zhang got off his sickbed and stepped into the outside world.

"I was pretty good in high school but because of my health, I was refused by the university."

Later that year, he applied to Fudan University's Distance Education College, majoring in economics. A year later, he graduated and found a part-time job in a computer company.

"Experience is important for me. In fact, no one would hire a person like me. Even taking the bus was difficult," Zhang said, adding that he had to rest for three to four days to regain his strength after a day's work at the time.

In 2002, he took a free computer repairing and maintenance course offered by the Shanghai Labor and Social Security Bureau and passed.

Later that year, with the help of the Daning Residents Committee, Zhang set up his Anbang Computer Repair and Maintenance Company. "I wanted to be independent, not a useless man to society. It was not easy to start. I had no business for an entire six months."

But true to his character, Zhang did not quit. He printed hundreds of leaflets and stuffed them in local mail boxes one by one. "I even offered free computer service at first."

Gradually, he won the trust of local residents as well as some companies.

"He is hard working and honest. Most importantly, he is optimistic," said Zhuang Qin, director of Shenyin Industry Company, Zhang's client.

 "I remember it was raining heavily the first time he came to my home to repair my computer. He was soaked but he still did a good job."

Zhuang later put Zhang in charge of maintaining all his company's computers.

While Zhang's business flourished, so too did his love life.

In 2004, he married Li Suyun, a nurse he met in Changhai Hospital. "I shoulder great pressure from my family and friends. They say I'm foolish to marry a time bomb," said the amicable woman.

She lost 10 kilograms from stress before their marriage.

"No one supported us and they persuaded me to quit all the time. But I love him. Though he is a leukemia patient, he is optimistic, clever and considerate. I have no regrets."

Now Zhang's life is calm again. He still needs transfusions but things are getting better.

When speaking of the future, the couple is confident. "I plan to expand my business into a chain store in the next three years," said Zhang, ever the optimist.