The posters that naturally remind us of blood through the polka dots on red background were placed throughout the campus in May. Although it seemed to be an event related to blood donation, the letter of ‘hematopoietic stem cell’ draws attention. ‘Hematopoietic stem cell.’ It would be an unfamiliar term for most of the people in Kookmin University. However, an event that encouraged donation of this cell was hosted by the Kookmin people. Let’s take a closer look into this cell and its donation method.

‘Hematopoietic stem cell’ is a stem cell that produces blood, and patients with leukemia and hematological malignancies can be healed through the transplantation of this cell. It is another term for the frequently used term ‘bone-marrow donation.’ However, the view on ‘‘bone-marrow donation’ that has been reflected in the media and press created negative awareness such as ‘severe pain’ and ‘difficulty to donate’ among the public. As of today, only 0.5% of the national population was registered for ‘hematopoietic stem cell donation.’ Currently, about 3 thousand patients are suffering while holding onto a faint hope that an ideal donor will appear. Meanwhile, there are issues raised regarding the procedure and legislation of hematopoietic stem cell donation. Apart from the lack of management system and budget, there are many other things to be revised.

Some Kookmin people who felt the desperate need of improving such situation organized a team that aims to improve awareness on hematopoietic stem cell (bone-marrow), encourage more donors, and resolve the related political issues. Those are the people who joined in the campaign called One Day. The name One Day implies ‘saving of a life a day’ and such ‘one day’ with precious meaning happened in Kookmin University for two days on May 20th and 21st. Despite the sudden hot weather, the members of One Day Team actively promoted the event without being exhausted. Several questions were asked to Eun-bi Choi in the Department of Administrative Politics who welcomed people and sincerely answered their questions with a smile on her face.

The event that is promoted by the One Day Team is divided into two kinds; signature-collection in relation with hematopoietic stem cell and registration for hematopoietic stem cell donation. The signature-collection related to hematopoietic stem cell raises the general issues on hematopoietic stem cell that is being practiced in Korea and collects the signatures of university students to submit a petition to the government. The signature list included four items, namely, ‘introduction of general management system for comprehensive management on donors and transplantation,’ ‘adoption of management law related to hematopoietic stem cell,’ ‘security of budget for hematopoietic stem cell,’ and ‘protection and respectful treatment for donors.’ By managing the donations and signatures separately, it intended to encourage the active participation of more students.

For the registration of hematopoietic stem cell donation, explanation on hematopoietic stem cell and its donation were given and then registration form was filled. After taking 4ml of blood for gene type test (HLA), a contact was made if there is a patient with identical HLA. Then, further procedure was progressed. Since the method of donating hematopoietic stem cell is similar to that of blood donation, it is less painful and hematopoietic stem cell is recovered in 2-3 weeks, therefore, there is no harm done in the donor. One Day Team planned to receive registration of hematopoietic stem cell donation from eight universities including Kookmin University. As the hematopoietic stem cell donation event was shared with the people interested in the Korea Marrow Donor Program, it is progressed in a more professional and meaningful way.

During the event, many people who were willing to share love visited the booth. Amidst the nervousness, expectation, and curiosity, a smile soon appeared on their faces after listening to the explanation and undergoing a 5-minute blood-taking procedure. Such smile must have come from a sense of pride and happiness by sharing life with others. We met four Kookmin people who finished the registration of donation.

- “New marrow is entering my body. The thrill and heart-beating that I felt when a nurse brought in the new marrow overwhelmed me as if a volcano is erupting” – Bone marrow beneficiary Yi, oo (9-year-old)
- When I heard about the arrival of a donor’s hematopoietic stem cell from the nurse station, I felt ‘I can survive.’ I express my utmost gratitude to the unknown donor who helped me have my second life. - Bone marrow beneficiary Yi, oo (37-year-old)
- It was like grabbing a rope thrown by someone as I was falling deep into the water. At the moment of receiving the pink hematopoietic stem cell of the donor, I felt the reception of a new life. - Bone marrow beneficiary Seo, oo (32-year-old)

These are the comments made by the beneficiaries of hematopoietic stem cell. All we have to do is to hold those who cannot help waiting for a person with matching hematopoietic stem cell by reaching out a hand. It is said that blood is thicker than water and there are people who are desperately waiting for our heart-sharing. We still have the opportunity to share. A great opportunity to present life to someone with my one day is now within my hands.