By Li Bo

Recently, the hematopoietic stem cell collection room at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University welcomed a pair of cousins.

8 years ago, Chen Tiannan accompanied his cousin Cai Tianhao to Nanjing to donate hematopoietic stem cells. 8 years later, he took up the baton of love and became the 125th hematopoietic stem cell donor in Nantong, bringing hope of life to a blood disease patient he had never met.

In 2018, Cai Tianhao, a teacher of a kindergarten, was successfully matched with a 3-year-old blood disease patient. ‘The children in my class are about this age. This is fate, and I want to set a good example for the children.’ Cai Tianhao said.

The seed of kindness quietly took root and sprouted in Chen Tiannan's heart. In November 2018, he registered with the China Marrow Donor Program, waiting for the day when he could become the one to pass on hope.

In September 2025, Chen Tiannan received a notification that he was a match for a blood disease patient. Without the slightest hesitation, he uttered only one word, ‘Donate!’

However, the road to donation was not smooth. The initial medical examination showed that the transaminase levels were too high, which did not meet the requirements for donation. Chen Tiannan began a ‘self-disciplined’ mode, adhering to a light diet, maintaining a regular schedule, and increasing exercise for a whole month, and with sheer perseverance, he adjusted his levels to the normal range.

On the day of donation, Chen Tiannan’s family came from Haimen and Qidong respectively, to cheer for him. His 6-year-old son, gently held his hand. His cousin Cai Tianhao witnessed on the spot. The two people completed the 7-year relay of kindness together.

【背景阅读】

南通首对表兄弟相继捐献造血干细胞

近日，通大附院造血干细胞采集室迎来了一对表兄弟。

8年前，陈天楠陪伴表弟蔡天豪奔赴南京捐献造血干细胞。8年后，他接过爱心接力棒，成为南通市第125位造血干细胞捐献者，为一位素未谋面的血液病患者，送去延续生命的希望。

2018年，幼儿园教师蔡天豪与一名3岁血液病患者配型成功。“我班上的孩子差不多就是这个年龄，这是一种缘分，我要给孩子们做个榜样。”蔡天豪说。

善意的种子在陈天楠心中悄然生根发芽。2018年11月，他登记加入中国造血干细胞捐献者资料库，等待着有一天，自己能成为那个传递希望的人。

2025年9月，陈天楠接到通知，他与一名血液病患者配型成功。没有丝毫犹豫，他只有一个字：“捐！”

然而捐献之路并非一帆风顺。首次体检结果显示转氨酶指标偏高，不符合捐献要求。陈天楠开启了“自律”模式，整整一个月，坚持清淡饮食，保持规律作息，加强运动锻炼，凭借一股韧劲指标调整至正常范围。

捐献当天，陈天楠的家人分别从海门、启东赶来，为他加油鼓劲；陈天楠年仅6岁的儿子，轻轻握住爸爸的手。表弟蔡天豪现场见证，两人共同完成这场长达七年的爱心接力。