By Qian Yanfeng and Wang Hongyi (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-20 08:07

SHANGHAI - Li Changzheng does not understand what has taken place in Wenchuan county - he was born just three days after the earthquake struck.

But he has a name that will always remind him of the tragic event.

Changzheng literally means Long March.

Li's parents said in naming their son they "wanted to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, their sorrow for the victims, and the brave efforts of other relief workers.

"We couldn't think of a better name than this one to express our gratitude," father Li Bing said.

Disaster relief efforts are being intensified across Wenchuan county.

In Shanghai, the number of medical workers sent to Sichuan now exceeds 720, as the third team left for the Southwest China province yesterday.

The team comprises 20 nurses specializing in hemodialysis, a procedure to remove metabolic waste products or toxic substances from the bloodstream by dialysis.

"These nurses are in great need, and more are prepared to help," Wang Tong, a spokesman for the municipal health bureau, said.

There are no lack of stories that tell of self-sacrifice and care.

Guo Xinlai, one of 73 newly arrived medical workers from the Shanghai Dongfang Hospital, had a simple wedding ceremony before heading for Sichuan.

Guo said he immediately signed up for a disaster relief team although it meant he would not be able to go on honeymoon.

"To save lives is a doctor's duty. And, as a Party member, I have the obligation to help the victims of disasters," Guo said before leaving for Sichuan.

No flowers, no cake, and no champagne, instead first-aid kits were piled up in the hospital's "wedding hall".

"The wedding was simple but meaningful," Guo's bride Wu Ling said.

"Our relatives and colleagues gave us their blessings and support. That's enough."

Liu Zhongmin, another member of the medical team, gave up his opportunity to be an Olympic torchbearer.

"Instead of running in the torch relay, I now have a new mission - to save lives.

Saving people's lives is consistent with the Olympic spirit," he told the Shanghai-based Youth Daily.

Those still in Shanghai are also playing their part.

Doctors at the Shanghai Huashan Hospital, for example, are helping medical staff at the Aba People's Hospital in Sichuan with advice over the telephone.