Micro-blogger's appeal for help proves genuine(2)

An effective platform

Although being questioned by some netizens over the iPhone he used, Zhang managed to collect about 44,000 yuan as of early August for his treatment.

The authenticity of Zhang's micro blog posts was verified by some charity NGOs, including the Shilehui, a charity agency founded in 2007 in Zhejiang province.

A worker from the Shilehui called the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University where Zhang received medical treatment on April 23, and learned that what Zhang said in his post was true.

Cheng Yuandong, a doctor at the hospital's hematology department, confirmed to China Daily that Zhang received chemotherapy on Saturday and he requires a bone marrow transplant.

The Shilehui called on netizens to donate for Zhang after his information was verified, and it finally managed to collect nearly 7,750 yuan to help Zhang after the post was forwarded more than 200 times.

Zhang said he was optimistic about his medical expenses, and he will post on his micro blog a picture of kneeling family members to show his appreciation whenever he receives a large amount of money.

Wang Zhenyao, director of the One Foundation Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University, said that the charity on micro blogs should be encouraged since it provided more channels for people to get help.

"It's natural that some micro-bloggers would exaggerate their difficulties to attract the attention of the netizens," he said. "It is much like begging on the street — the more pathetic you look, the more likely you are going to get mercy and help from passers-by."

Wang said a better mechanism should be established by NGOs to verify the authenticity of micro blog posts, under which the expenses of charity funds should also be monitored.

"It's predictable that some micro-bloggers will continue to lie to get public sympathy," Wang said. "Only when the country's social welfare system is completely established and everyone can afford his or her medical expenses will such bluffing micro blog posts disappear."