On 1/5, when Shao Sanhu reopened his barbecue restaurant, he found more than 60 groups of customers already queuing. Many traveled from Xi'an, Chongqing, and Hangzhou to enjoy the barbecue and inquire about his health.

On 18/4, Shao hung a sign outside his restaurant that read, "Family matter, I need a week off". Customers did not know he had closed to travel to Hefei city to donate stem cells to save a three-year-old girl with leukemia. However, the process lasted 13 days. The donation was successful on 27/4.

Shao Sanhu after successfully donating stem cells to a three-year-old girl with leukemia in Hefei city, 27/4. *Photo: CNR*

As the news spread, the number of customers flocking to the restaurant surged. Currently, Shao's 50 tables are still not enough to accommodate everyone. Due to the overwhelming demand, the restaurant operates from 8:30 h to 2 h the next morning. Aware of the staff shortage, customers patiently wait. The local Culinary Association, Red Cross, and Blue Sky Rescue Team sent chefs and volunteers to assist him. To avoid disturbing neighbors, he plans to move to a larger nearby location.

A customer who traveled seven hours from the Southwest region to the restaurant stated that someone willing to donate stem cells is undoubtedly a trustworthy business owner. In the crowd, a little girl offered him a lollipop and exclaimed, "Uncle Hero", moving Shao. "My actions can spread positive energy to children, which is more valuable than anything," he shared.

Shao registered with the China Marrow Donor Program in 2019. By 9/2025, he received an initial bone marrow match notification for a patient. After passing a health check-up in early 2026, he continued his business while awaiting the donation day.

Regarding his health after the surgery, the owner stated he had recovered, experiencing only mild hypoglycemia. On the evening of 5/5, Wang Qingwu, Secretary of the Suzhou Municipal Party Committee, visited the restaurant and commended Shao's actions.

Hundreds of customers visit Shao's restaurant in Anhui province, early 5/2026. *Photo: Handout*

Shao stated he has no intention of becoming a social media celebrity, only hoping the community pays more attention to leukemia patients. "I just did a small thing. Stem cell donation is a safe procedure, and I hope more people will participate," he said.

As of the end of 4/2026, China's stem cell donation program has nearly 3,8 million registered volunteers, with over 22,000 successful donations. Since the first unrelated donor transplant in 1996, this number surpassed 10,000 in 2020 and continues to increase.

By Minh Phuong (Source: Jimu News, SCMP, CNR)