Lessons from the drops of rose

QTO - Voluntary blood donation is a noble act that contributes to saving the lives of patients and spreading love in the community. In Le Ninh commune, there is a teacher who has quietly and persistently donated his blood for many years to extend the lives of others. That is Mr. Tran Manh Cuong, a physical education teacher at Le Ninh Primary School, who has voluntarily donated blood 32 times to save lives.

It all starts with one act of courage.

His involvement in blood donation began in 2005, when he was a student at the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports . Like many other young people, he was initially apprehensive and worried the first time he donated blood. However, after that experience, and seeing that his health was perfectly stable, he gradually overcame his initial concerns. More importantly, he realized the profound meaning of blood donation – a small act that can save a life. From then on, blood donation was no longer just a test, but became a part of his life.

Mr. Tran Manh Cuong during a voluntary blood donation - Photo: Provided by the interviewee

With blood type O Rh+, a type that can be transfused to many people, he is even more aware of his responsibility. Whenever there is a need for blood, he is always ready. Each time he donates blood, every drop of red given is a ray of hope kindled in patients who need life.

Tran Manh Cuong's most memorable experience was one night in 2013, while he was working in the border commune of Lam Thuy (now Kim Ngan commune), stationed in Bach Dan village, where transportation was extremely difficult. Around 10 PM, he received an urgent message from the Provincial Youth Voluntary Blood Donation Club: A retired soldier was in critical condition and urgently needed a blood transfusion. At that time, volunteers in the central area and surrounding localities were not eligible to donate blood.

Without hesitation, he decided to set off. Alone in the dark night, he trekked through the forest and crossed streams from his village to the commune center, then continued his long journey to the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi to donate blood and save lives. The road was long and treacherous, and he traveled at night, but his concern for the patient's life outweighed everything else. After donating blood, he quietly returned home in the night to continue his teaching work the next morning. That journey was not just a trip; it was also a testament to his dedication, where compassion overcame all difficulties.

Recalling that memory, Mr. Cuong mused, " That night, alone in the forest, there were times I felt scared, but thinking of the patients waiting for every drop of blood to regain their lives, I didn't allow myself to hesitate. When I arrived and knew I could help them, all my fatigue seemed to disappear."

Not only is Tran Manh Cuong a frequent blood donor, but he is also an active member of the Youth Blood Donation Club of Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri province). The club brings together more than 60 members who are always ready to donate blood when called upon. For Tran Manh Cuong and the members of the club, blood donation is not a personal matter, but a community responsibility.

Lessons about love

Beyond simply donating blood, Mr. Tran Manh Cuong actively participates in numerous charitable activities, helping those in difficult circumstances and vulnerable people in society. In him, one sees dedication not only in his teaching profession but also in his way of life, guided by the motto: Always ready to share.

Mr. Tran Manh Cuong (bottom row, far left) is an active member of the Provincial Youth Voluntary Blood Donation Club - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Mr. Le Van Hung, Chairman of the Provincial Youth Voluntary Blood Donation Club, shared: “Throughout the club, Mr. Tran Manh Cuong has always shown great enthusiasm and responsibility. Whether during regular blood donation drives or emergency situations, he is always ready to share and help. He also proactively arranges his work to support the club in completing its tasks, especially in the annual "Red Journey - Connecting Vietnamese Blood" program. Not only is he an active member, but he is also like a dedicated older brother, a source of spiritual support, contributing to spreading the spirit of blood donation to many volunteers.”

As for Mr. Tran Manh Cuong, everything he does stems from a simple thought: "Donating blood doesn't weaken me; on the contrary, I feel healthier, especially mentally, knowing that I've contributed to saving other people's lives. If I have the means, I will continue to donate blood to save lives."

Without talking much about what he has done, Mr. Tran Manh Cuong quietly continues to give whenever he can. For him, each blood donation is not a sacrifice but a very normal way of sharing between people.

More than 30 blood donations mean that each time he has given away "drops of blood" of life, and a simple lesson has become clear: When each person opens their heart, knows how to give from the smallest things, life will be extended, and faith will be nurtured. From the story of Mr. Tran Manh Cuong, "the lesson from drops of blood" is a reminder of community responsibility, of how each of us can contribute to making this life more compassionate, starting with the simple actions around us.

Le Thuy

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202604/bai-hoc-tu-nhung-giot-hong-6702ac2/