DESPITE having organised over 45 blood donation drives, Kuching Love Book Association founder May Loo Hun Ing often reflected on her personal regrets.
“I have always been afraid of needles. The first time I thought of donating was for my late mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. I trembled at the blood donation drive, and the doctor in charge sternly told me I couldn’t go for it,” she recalled.
And when she was finally ready to donate at her second blood donation drive, Loo found herself in a predicament, one that would haunt her even after half a decade had passed. Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2021, the devastation had often led her to ask God — “why me?”
According to the cancer survivor, patients who have been diagnosed with the illness could never donate blood. To her, it was like a death sentence, one that unearthed a myriad of thoughts of regret. Recalling the days surrounding her diagnosis, the long-time charity organiser conceded that it was a challenge to continue her endeavours then.
“The diagnosis came after my first blood donation drive. I was so ready to finally donate at my second blood donation drive; however, just five days before the event, I received the news. At that time, I was crushed, and I wanted to cancel the whole event,” said Loo.
During the five days of battling uncertainty, Loo went back and forth between cancelling the event and going forward with it.
To her, it was a daunting period as she needed all the savings she could, yet she was organising an event to save others.
“In the end, I decided to cancel, but the blood bank called me and made me realise how important the blood donation drive was, especially during the pandemic era in 2021. I felt sad for myself; at the same time, the blood bank needed blood,” she said.
Nevertheless, she mustered the courage to go forth with her second blood donation drive. Together with Kuching Life Care Society, Loo pretended that everything was alright, that she could still go on with her advocacy.
After the second drive, Loo went for her scheduled operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy within the span of six months.
Right after her first radiotherapy in January 2022, Loo went for a charity programme alongside the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah in Dalat.
The following month, despite her ongoing recovery, Loo pressed on and organised her third blood donation drive. Her determination never wavered. Five years on, she remains as committed as ever in her endeavours.
A heart to help
Raised to be a charitable person by her mother, and with the awareness of the importance of blood sufficiency, the Kuching Love Book Association founder has always had the heart to help her community. This was especially meaningful to her, as she recalled how her late father had required several bags of blood during his treatment.
According to Loo, one pint of blood could save three lives. The revelation drove her to continue organising more blood donation campaigns. Throughout the years, she has seen countless regulars often coming over to not just do their part in donating blood, but also help out at the campaign.
“There are many of them who would come over earlier and just help us by setting up the tables and chairs. These gestures touched me deeply, and I know that there are many nice and sincere people here, within our community,” Loo said.
Among the most memorable moments for Loo were seeing parents bringing their children to the donation drives. As the youngsters watched their parents donate blood, they were unknowingly learning the value of giving. Some would eventually follow in their parents’ footsteps, returning to donate when they turned 17.
“My own son and goddaughter also donated when they turned 17. I was happy to know that many knew the importance of blood donation.”
A never-ending shortage
But despite the organisation of numerous donation drives, Loo never felt as though she had contributed to society.
“Many can organise an event, but not everyone can donate their blood. For that, I truly envy those who could.”
Though years have passed since she recovered from cancer, Loo had tried asking if she was eligible to donate. However, the answer remains the same — no. Therefore, she urged many to volunteer as blood donors while the body is healthy.
She further said that, in spite of the many campaigns being organised, there are still shortages at the hospital’s blood bank.
Loo explained that, although Kuching has a higher count of blood donors, often these bloods are transported to other cities and towns in Sarawak.
This creates a continued urgency at the blood bank. She said that there are times when the Sarawak General Hospital’s blood bank would call in regulars to donate blood due to insufficiency. The department would also publish on its social media if there are any shortages in certain blood types.
As such, Loo encouraged members of the public to follow the blood bank’s Facebook page, as well as the Kuching Love Book Association, to stay informed about upcoming blood donation campaigns and other related initiatives.
With World Blood Donor Day observed today, Loo’s journey stands as a reminder that the act of saving lives is not limited to those in hospital wards or operating theatres. Though she can no longer donate blood herself, she has found another way to give — by building a community that continues to show up and keep the blood supply flowing.
