In recent years, many young people in Da Nang have voluntarily registered to donate their tissue, organs and bodies after death for purposes of saving people and scientific research.

Since she was a pupil, Nguyen Ngoc Huong was determined to register as an organ tissue donor when she turned 18 years old.

Students spread the word about importance of organ donations

At the age of 17, besides being determined to pass the university entrance exam with high results, Nguyen Ngoc Huong, who is now the second year student at the University of Education, the University of Da Nang, cherished a plan to register to donate organs and tissue when she turned to 18 years old.

That plan was implemented by Huong 7 months after she officially turned 18 years old. Huong registered to donate all tissue and organs if she unfortunately encountered the risk of death or brain death (due to illness, accident, etc.).

Huong said that her sister inspired her to do this meaningful work. Following her sister on volunteer trips since she was a child, Huong understands the meaning of giving.

The day she heard that her sister had registered to donate organs and tissue, the first question that popped into Huong's mind was "How dare my sister do that?". At first, Huong felt scared. But after receiving spiritual encouragement from her sister, Huong’s fear disappeared and was replaced by the desire to give. That was also the time when the 17-year-old girl secretly wished her 18^th birthday would come quickly.

Although a year has passed, when recounting the moment she signed the decision to register for organ and tissue donation, from the shyness at the beginning of the story, Huong's eyes gradually became sparkling, her smile became more radiant, and her face seemed to glow with indescribable happiness.

“I don't see what I do as special. I do it because it brings me joy, without asking for anything in return. I think, if we can't do big things, let's start with small things within our ability" Huong expressed.

Huong shared that since the day she registered for organ donation, she has become more aware of taking care of her personal health. Previously, Huong had a habit of staying up late, sometimes not sleeping until 2:00 am, but now she goes to bed early, and gets up early to do exercise and eat healthier.

"This body is no longer yours, there will be many lives to continue if you keep your organs healthy" Huong said happily.

Mr. Ha Phuoc Canh and his wife filled out organ donation registration forms at the Da Nang Red Cross Society's office right on Mr. Canh's birthday.

Special gift for birthday

Although this year's birthday had no gifts or parties, 35-year-old Ha Phuoc Canh from the Division of Internal Security under the Da Nang Department of Police felt that this was the happiest birthday in his life.

He has been planning to register for organ donation for a long time, but due to his busy work, Mr. Canh has not yet had the opportunity to do the plan.

One month before his birthday, Mr. Canh told his wife about his organ donation plan and immediately received enthusiastic support from her.

“Receiving support from my wife made me very happy, but what was even more surprising was that she had the same plan as me, so the joy doubled" Mr. Canh confided.

Many young people are gradually becoming more interested in organ and tissue donation after death or brain death

Like Huong, Mr. Canh also decided to register to donate all his organs and tissue after death.

To celebrate their special day, Mrs. Tu Anh, Mr. Canh’s wife, shared information on her personal fanpage. From that article, more people learned about tissue and organ donation and wanted to sign the voluntary organ donation form.

“After my wife's article, about 10 friends told me that they will also register to donate organs and tissue, which makes me even happier" Mr. Canh expressed.

According to Ms. Thai Thi Ha, Vice President of the Da Nang Red Cross Society, from 2019 to late 2022, nearly 600 people in the city have registered for organ and tissue donation. The figure is still quite modest.

To encourage people to register for organ and tissue donation, the city’s Red Cross Society regularly educates people about the purpose, meaning, and legal regulations on the donation.

Along with that, most of officials, civil servants, and public employees of the municipal Red Cross Society and its chapters at all levels have also voluntarily registered for the meaningful work.

“In addition to the development of modern medicine, the tissue, organ and body donation is a way to save lives and aid scientific research. When an unfortunate person dies, their organs and tissue can help save 10 people's lives. It was truly a miracle" Ms. Ha emphasised.

Reporting by THU DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG