HRH 70th: Knee, Cartilage & Valve Transplants for 70patients

Since 2000, the Tissue Bank of the Organ Donation Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, has collected and processed human tissue—including heart valves, skin, bone, and tendons—for transplantation to save lives, repair injuries, and overcome disabilities, enabling patients to return to normal lives.

In the past, traffic and sports accident patients facing severe, irreparable meniscus tears required meniscus or distal femoral cartilage transplants. Today, the Tissue Bank of Thai Red Cross Society can successfully collect and prepare these tissues to treat Thai patients locally. Similarly, for patients with congenital or infectious heart valve diseases, medical innovation at the Tissue Bank now produces decellularized heart valves. These offer significantly longer durability, making them ideal for pediatric and young patients by reducing the risk of repeat surgeries and granting them a longer, healthier life.

On the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 70th Birthday Anniversary on April 2, 2025, the Organ Donation Centre, Thai Red Cross Society—where Her Royal Highness serves as Executive Vice President—launched the "Meniscus, Distal Femoral Cartilage, and Decellularized Heart Valve Transplantation Project." This initiative provides free transplant surgeries to 70 underprivileged patients nationwide in tribute to Her Royal Highness, offering medical personnel and the public an opportunity to contribute to this grand act of charity.

Operating from April 2, 2025, to December 31, 2026, the project aims to expand access to advanced care across nationwide hospitals through:

·         Cryopreserved Meniscus Transplants: 10 patients

·         Fresh Meniscus Transplants: 5 patients

·         Fresh Distal Femoral Osteochondral Transplants: 5 patients

·         Decellularized Heart Valve Transplants: 50 pediatric and young adult patients

The campaign also engages regional hospitals and conducts quarterly follow-up evaluations to promote widespread adoption of tissue transplantation nationwide.

Thai Red Cross Society warmly invites you to help grant new life and restore smiles to these individuals. Supporting this 1,000,000 THB campaign transforms the suffering of 70 patients—helping them walk again with strength and live with healthy, beating hearts.