A Gathering of Gratitude, Stories from Survivors
Dr. Xia Qiang, the president of Renji Hospital and a leading expert in liver transplantation, stood at the center of the gathering, his eyes shining with pride and emotion. “It’s incredible to see these children, who have grown into big boys, girls, and even young adults,” he said, addressing the crowd. “The surgery is just the first step in their treatment. Our ultimate goal is to help them return to a normal, healthy life. At Renji, the 10-year survival rate for pediatric liver transplant patients is over 90 percent.”
A Journey of Hope
Su Junwei, one of the special guests, shared his story. In 2013, at the age of 10, Su had faced a life-threatening condition. His parents were frantic, but a glimmer of hope appeared when they learned about Renji Hospital’s renowned liver transplant program. The surgery was a success, and Su’s journey to recovery began. Today, at 22, Su is a vibrant young man, pursuing his dreams of becoming a doctor.
“Previous events usually invited children who had just undergone surgery,” Dr. Xia explained. “This is the first time we have invited children who had surgery over 10 years ago. It’s a chance for us to see how they have thrived and to inspire the younger patients.”
International Bonds of Health
Renji Hospital’s impact extends beyond the borders of China. Dr. Xia proudly announced that before the pandemic, the hospital had treated over 40 children from abroad. This year, the service has resumed, with one child from Malaysia and another from France already receiving life-saving surgeries. An additional Malaysian child was scheduled to visit the hospital the following week.
“Our medical team has also traveled to other countries to provide training, promote technology, and conduct exchanges,” Dr. Xia added. “We believe that sharing knowledge and expertise can help more children around the world lead healthier lives.”
Protecting Vision: A National Effort
While the liver transplant celebration was a highlight of the day, the hospital also recognized the importance of addressing more common health issues, such as myopia. On the same day, the Shanghai Health Commission launched a myopia prevention and control event, aimed at raising public awareness and promoting health education.
Shanghai has taken a pioneering step by establishing a classified digital database and management system for children’s and teenagers’ eye health. This system, the first of its kind in the nation, has already included 3.89 million children, achieving full coverage and annual updates for effective monitoring.
“The prevalence of myopia among local children and minors is around 60 percent,” said an official from the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Control Center, the project leader. “We have developed an AI-based eye health screening facility and wearable myopia prevention equipment to promote a smart technology-aided myopia control system.”
A Community of Care
The event was not just a medical gathering but a community celebration. Children and their parents participated in various activities, including interactive workshops, health check-ups, and discussions on maintaining eye health. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and learning, as families shared their experiences and tips for healthy living.
One young participant, Xiao Li, a 12-year-old girl, spoke about her recent eye check-up and the importance of regular screenings. “My parents and I learned a lot about how to protect my eyes. It’s like getting a second chance at a clear vision,” she said, beaming with enthusiasm.
A Brighter Future
As the day came to a close, the hospital’s halls echoed with the sounds of gratitude and hope. The gathering was a poignant reminder of the power of medical advancements and the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals. For the children and their families, the best gift on Children’s Day was not a toy or a treat but the gift of health—a gift that would last a lifetime.
Renji Hospital’s commitment to both specialized and common health issues reflects a broader vision of a healthier future for all children. Through their innovative approaches and international collaborations, they continue to set a global standard for pediatric healthcare, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and grow.