News | Taiwan Blood Services Foundation ESG

The River Within: A Journey Through Blood is a follow-up publication by the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation after the release of The Blood Lesson for Young Adults. This new book provides an in-depth introduction to the science of blood and the importance of blood donation. Through this publication, the Foundation hopes to guide readers in understanding the vital role blood plays in healthcare, and to inspire a deeper reflection on life and compassion. In celebration of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the Foundation held a book launch and donation ceremony. Renowned blogger Kelly Shen, known for her longtime dedication to promoting blood donation, was invited to join the event and share her thoughts and reflections after reading the book.


Renowned blogger **Kelly Shen**, who has long promoted blood donation, joined the launch of _The River Within: A Journey Through Blood_ on June 14 to share her thoughts after reading the book. She also encouraged others to use their influence to inspire people around them to donate blood.

**A Mother's Quiet Acts of Kindness Planted the Seed of Donation**

Although Kelly began donating blood under the guidance of her younger sister, a nurse, she later realized the influence actually began with her mother’s quiet example. “We have five kids in the family. My mom was a laborer, and we didn’t have much growing up. But as a child, I often noticed something magical: snacks or milk would suddenly appear on the table at home. Back in those days, just paying school or class fees was a burden—so I always wondered, where did those little ‘surprises’ come from?”

Eventually, the mystery was solved—her mother had been silently donating blood. “In those days, the bloodmobile usually parked near the local temple. I always thought my mom went to pray—I never imagined she was donating blood. And she never mentioned it to us kids; she simply kept helping others through her actions.”

“It wasn’t until much later that I realized what an incredible thing she had been doing!” Kelly said. “In fact, I once wondered whether she was selling her blood for money. That era made it easy to assume so. But after reading The River Within, I finally resolved the confusion in my heart. The book discusses the history of paid blood donations, and after comparing it, I understood—my mom wasn’t selling blood. She was truly donating it voluntarily to help others. She donated for at least 40 years. That’s amazing!” Perhaps influenced by medical dramas on TV, her mom believed that donating blood to save lives was a deeply meaningful act—and so she kept doing good quietly for decades.

**From Doubt to Gratitude: Finding Joy in Helping Others Through Donation**

Kelly’s sister, who once worked in the emergency room and ICU, was the one who truly guided her onto the path of blood donation. “I used to see news reports about blood shortages and wonder—was it really that serious?” Kelly admitted. “But after hearing my sister share her firsthand experiences at the hospital, I finally understood how crucial blood is for patients—often a matter of life and death.” One time, she went to pick up her sister after a night shift. On the way to get food, her sister asked if they could stop by a donation center. That was the first time Kelly stepped into a blood donation room, officially beginning her own journey as a donor. Earlier this year, another sister of hers also donated blood for the first time. This ripple of positive influence within the family, where members encourage each other to do good, is something she treasures deeply and takes great pride in.

**Gaining Knowledge About Blood and Donation—Spreading Goodwill Through Peer Influence**

“The more I understand how blood works, the more I realize how many lives it can save—and the more willing I am to donate!” Kelly shared from her experience. After receiving The River Within, she discovered many fascinating facts. “It’s a very rich book—full of knowledge. There are a lot of technical terms, so the average person might need to read it twice. But here’s another way to look at it: explore the fun parts, internalize them, and then discuss them in ways that resonate with your kids or peers.” At the book launch, Kelly also expressed hope that high schools nationwide could encourage eligible students to donate, using recognition as a motivator and leveraging peer influence to foster a culture of giving. “People often ask: ‘How do you overcome fear?’ I think—if you remind yourself that many people are waiting for your healthy blood, and that not everyone is eligible to donate, then that sense of mission will outweigh the fear.” She also shared a memorable moment at the Guandu donation center: “The whole room had this fun and relaxed vibe, and I realized it was because young people were donating. I even encouraged the boy sitting next to me to invite his classmates to join. Using your strengths and influence to advocate for blood donation—anytime, anywhere—that’s what I’ve always aimed for.”

“Blood donation is a silent power!” she said. “When we do good together, those who receive it feel deeply blessed. You can also take advantage of the official LINE account ‘Love Blood Donation’—it’s full of helpful information. All of it is the result of everyone’s collective effort and passion. I truly hope more young people will step forward and join in!”