RH Negative Voices: Coreen Tan Tambasen

Hi, Coreen!

1)When did you find out that you are rh- and how did it impact your life?

I found out that I’m rh negative in 1994 after I had H-mole, otherwise known as a ‘false pregnancy’. I was so weak and anemic that I needed to be transfused with 4 units of A- blood. Unfortunately, my type is very rare here in the Philippines so my family had a hard time finding blood donors for me. They even had to have the 4^th bag flown over from the US! I only met one of my blood donors, a 69-year-old American, but that meeting made an impression on me. Years later, after I found out that he had passed away, I made a promise to him that one day, I will also help to save lives the way he saved mine. And I made good on that promise. Now, I’m a member of Rh Negative Philippines, a volunteer group of Rh negative individuals who donate blood without asking for anything in return. From that group, I went a step further and created a group exclusively for those of A- blood type in the Philippines. At present, we have 217 members (out of 100 million Filipinos!) and they make me so proud. Everytime there’s a call in Facebook, our heroes give our time, effort and even money to travel to where we can donate our blood –for free! Last year, a baby girl was given a 50% chance to live. Suddenly, one of our members arrived to donate blood and saved her life. Recently, he was the guest of honor at her 1^st birthday celebration. A few hours of our time equals a lifetime for somebody else. What can be more fulfilling than that?     

2) What do you think about the various theories regarding our origin?

I am not really into the alien, fairies, fallen angels theories about how Rh negatives came about. I’d rather have facts, supported by evidences and I prefer to think that we are some sort of mutation. But to those who believe, I  may not agree with your opinion but I will defend your right to say it! One time, I did exactly that for a lady who said that she believes in astrology and astronomy. I couldn’t just stand by and let the admin insult her and he didn’t take kindly to that so we both got kicked out of that A- international group. I didn’t mind because I gained a wonderful friend in the process.

3) If you had a message for all rh negatives worldwide, what would it be?

There’s a misconception that Rh negatives make up 15% of the world population. How can that be when 4 out of the top 5 countries with the highest population in the world are in Asia where Rh negatives are less than 1% of the population? The 15% figure refers to the US population. Worldwide, Rh negatives make up only 6%. In reality, we are too few so find your tribe and connect. It can help save lives, including your own.

4) How have you felt different in your life? Or have you?

I have this uncanny intuition even at a young age. I can sense what a person is truly feeling even when he’s not saying anything or even saying otherwise. I didn’t really think much of it because I thought so did everybody else! I am also too empathetic because I literally feel what another person is going through. Sometimes, people confide in me and tell me their deepest secrets at our very first meeting.  

5) Do you think the world will become better or worse for rh negatives to live in?

I think the world will become a better place for Rh negatives to live in if we can unite and use our special gifts to help save the environment and help each other regardless if a person is Rh negative or Rh positive. 

6) Where in the world and when in your life have you been the happiest?

I am happiest when I have peace of mind. Anywhere that I am not plagued by financial, relationship, and health worries is home so long as I’m with my family.

7) What do you think rh negative people need in their lives to be happy?

I think that Rh negative people need to have an advocacy in their lives to be truly happy. They can help support or promote animal rights, a clean and green environment, historical preservation, charitable works or any worthy cause that will make this world a better place to live in.