On September 19, in a small hamlet in Tang Nhon Phu ward (HCMC), about 40 children and parents had an early Mid-Autumn Festival. For sick children, this is an opportunity to temporarily put aside examinations, treatments and have a few extra hours of fun like other children.
The festival space is not too large, but the laughter of young children makes the yard bustling. Mid-Autumn gifts are handed to the children in turn. Some children happily run and jump with friends, some children even timidly stand next to their parents but their eyes still shine with joy.
Young children with illnesses often have to go for treatment, and sometimes the normal joys of childhood are interrupted. Today, seeing my child playing, meeting friends and being cared for by everyone, I am very happy. For the family, such things are very precious," Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Hang, a parent of a sick child, shared.
According to Ms. Dinh Thi Kim Phan, who organized the program with a group of friends, this is an activity that everyone has maintained annually in recent years. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, the group prepares gifts together and organizes a fun session for sick children.
At first, we simply thought we wanted to do something for children in special circumstances, especially those who are being treated for illness. After each organization, seeing the children happy, we have more motivation to continue. So this activity gradually becomes something we look forward to every year," Ms. Phan shared.
For Ms. Pham Thi Nhung, a parent whose child participated in the festival, her child's joy for a few hours also helps parents have more motivation.
When my child is sick, the whole family just hopes that my child will recover. Many times parents also forget that their children still need to have fun, to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival like other young children. Today, seeing my child smile, playing with friends, I am very touched. I hope my children have more opportunities like this," Ms. Nhung shared.
The festival closed with small gifts brought home by the children. But what remains is probably not just the cake or toy, but also the laughter and care the children receive.
For pediatric patients, the treatment journey is still long and not without difficulties. An early Mid-Autumn Festival may only last a few hours, but sharing in those moments can become a source of encouragement for them to be more confident in moving forward.
