SIBU: “A drop of blood, a sea of hope.” This phrase aptly describes the sacrifice of a woman from Julau who came forward to save the life of a patient in an emergency situation at Sibu Hospital recently.
The mission named “Searching for Rare Blood with the Jk-Null Phenotype” successfully found a single donor, Adeline Asong Liang Ching Foong, who has the Jk-Null phenotype, a type of blood that is extremely difficult to find and only exists in around 0.9 percent of the Asian population.
According to a statement uploaded by the Sibu Hospital Blood Bank, an urgent request for blood of this phenotype was made when a patient suffers from serious bleeding and requires an immediate blood transfusion.
The situation became more complicated when the patient was detected to have Anti-Jk3 antibodies, which are only compatible with donors with Jk-Null blood.
“This situation is very critical. We immediately contacted blood centres in Kuching, Penang, Ipoh and the National Blood Centre in Kuala Lumpur. All parties provided prompt and positive feedback.
“However, the greatest hope came from Sibu itself.
“Among the individuals we contacted was Sister Adeline Asong. At the time, she was travelling from Julau to Sibu on a personal matter. However, as soon as she was informed about the patient’s condition, she immediately expressed her willingness to help,” the statement explained.
Without delay, Adeline Asong went straight to Sibu Hospital and donated her blood, which was a sincere act that brought light to the patient who was fighting for her life.
“The patient is now stable and has been allowed to go home after receiving blood and showing positive development,” it stated.
Sibu Hospital and the Blood Bank expressed their highest appreciation to Adeline Asong who was described as a “silent hero” in this humanitarian mission.
“We greatly appreciate her caring attitude, quick action and humanitarian spirit. May all her and her family’s affairs always be facilitated and blessed.
“This mission also reflects the spirit of cooperation between blood centres nationwide, proving that in times of crisis, unity and concern for Malaysians remain the main strength,” the statement added.
