Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A Malaysian man was grateful to learn that the blood he has been donating for years has been helping a young patient with thalassaemia
The heartwarming story, shared by Threads user @vince.yh117, has resonated with many Malaysians, garnering nearly 500,000 views and 50,000 likes.
Vince Hoor revealed that he has donated blood 28 times, with each donation amounting to 450cc.
"I am a Chinese Malaysian. I have donated blood 28 times. 450cc each time. My blood type is AB+ RR+," he wrote.
He shared that Hospital Seberang Jaya had contacted him several times to donate blood, prompting him to ask why they kept reaching out.
According to Vince, a doctor told him his blood was a suitable match for a Malay child living with thalassaemia.
"My blood has never known Malay, Chinese, or Indian. It is only to save lives. We help each other if needed. I am a Malaysian," he wrote.
The post prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from Malaysians
Many commenters thanked Vince for his selflessness, with some sharing their own personal experiences.
"Thank you, sir. My daughter is one year and seven months old, a thalassaemia warrior. Thank you for being someone who saves lives," one parent wrote.
"As a healthcare worker caring for thalassaemia kids, you are an honourable person. Thank you very much," another said.
Another blood donor shared: "This year alone, I've donated twice. Thank you for posting this, it's a reminder that it's been three months, so I can donate again. Last year, my husband underwent bypass surgery and needed two bags of blood. Since he can no longer donate, my donations are my way of paying it forward."
Another person living with the condition wrote: "I also have thalassaemia. Thank you so much to everyone who donates blood regardless of race or religion."
The post also caught the attention of the Ministry of Health, which thanked Vince and all blood donors for their selfless contributions
"We express our highest appreciation to Mr Vince and all blood donors who continue to donate blood without discrimination. This story reminds us all that blood never knows race, religion, or background. It only knows one thing: saving lives.
"28 donations — every drop of blood becomes hope and a lifeline for someone, and in this case, a child," wrote the ministry.
View on Threads
Speaking to SAYS, Vince said he began donating blood 13 years ago
Vince said he has been donating blood since May 2013 while working as a research assistant at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
Now a 37-year-old A-Levels chemistry teacher, he said learning about the benefits of blood donation motivated him to keep donating.
"I learnt that blood donation is beneficial to both the donor and the recipient," he said.
Vince added that he used to donate regularly at Hospital Seberang Jaya, where a medical officer encouraged him to donate every three months as long as he remained healthy.
He hopes more Malaysians would become blood donors
Vince said he was grateful to learn that his blood had gone to someone who truly needed it, especially as he has the rare AB+ blood type with an R1R1 phenotype.
"Be brave enough. Blood donation is not as scary as you think. Doctors do not recognise blood as Chinese, Malay, or Indian. The process is simple.
"Walk into your nearest hospital or look out for blood donation drives to find out your blood type and whether you're eligible to donate. You might end up helping someone who needs it most," he said.
