The Unheralded Hero. Lab Technician Mr. Chang has been donating blood for years

During Min-Sheng General Hospital’s 35th anniversary celebrations a 33 years old lab technician, Mr. Chang Song-Haw, was commended for his long term contribution to hundreds of patients who need blood transfusions. During the past 10 years, he has donated his blood about 280 times, providing nearly 70,000 c.c. of blood platelets. Giving blood every other week, it has become a habit of Mr. Chang’s daily life, and as a lab technician it has become a second career.

His determination began when Mr. Chang served in the military in Kin-Men where medical resources were very limited. After witnessing servicemen lose their life due to a lack of available transfusion blood, Mr. Chang became committed to save other’s lives by donating his own blood. After completing his military service, he became a frequent guest at blood donation stations.

What Mr. Chang donated was not regular whole blood but blood platelets. This usually makes for a more painful experience and a longer recovery time. The needles used to draw blood have left marks and scars on his arms, but Mr. Chang says with a smile of accomplishment: “Although it hurts, I will still keep doing it. A little piece contributed by everyone will make a big difference to make the world better”.

His persistence truly makes him an unheralded hero who deserves recognition.

Min-Sheng celebrates its 35th anniversary with the community

Min-Sheng Healthcare System celebrated its 35th anniversary July 20, 2010, marking more than a third of a century of service to the people of Taoyuan. At exactly ten o’clock in the morning the celebration started with a stairwell race and a reunion of twins born at Min-Sheng Hospital over the past few years.

Min-Sheng’s President and founder, Dr. Yang Min-Sheng, accompanied by Min-Sheng General Hospital’s superintendent, Dr. Chang Yang-Chyan, presided over the ceremony. Among the various representatives of the local government and the community that also attended were Mr. Lee, Deputy Magistrate of Taoyuan County and Mr. Su Jia-Ming, Mayor of Taoyuan City.

President Yang expressed his gratitude for the long-time support and encouragements from the community. Over the past 35 years, the scope of health care services offered by Min-Sheng Health care System has mirrored the growth and development of the Taoyuan community. Dr. Yang pointed out that “The Min-Sheng Health care system could not have been successful without the trust and compassion of the people from the Taoyuan community”.

Twins and babies born prematurely at Min-Sheng Hospital in recent years helped cut the birthday cake before treading the cat walk for a fashion show, while their mothers were exchanging advice and experience on raising twins.
Participants to the stairwell race walked 1200 steps up and down the hospital’s 23 floors. This activity was part of the “Green Life” campaign that encourages people to climb stairs rather than use elevators in order to save electricity. Officers from the Taoyuan Police Bureau and Fire department also joined in the race.

Wishing you’d attended this year’s events? Don’t worry; you’ll get another opportunity next year.