Special class for children with cancer
In the days when the whole country is bustling to welcome the new school year, at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, there is also a special opening ceremony for pediatric patients who have to temporarily put aside going to school due to illness. The "Hornflower" class for the 2026-2027 school year helps children continue to study, play and maintain the rhythm of student life in the days of treatment.
Baby N.T. M. has had a brain tumor since 2022, when preparing to enter 1st grade. More than 4 years of treatment has interrupted her studies many times. When her health is stable, her mother still encourages her to go to class to study and socialize with friends.
Ms. P.T. N. H (49 years old, residing in Tan Binh ward, Ho Chi Minh City), M.'s mother, said that there were times when her child had to be hospitalized for about 10 days. When taking medicine, her body was tired, so she let her baby rest at home.
The disease made M. once know how to read but gradually forget. In return, she has a good musical memory, just listening to it a few times can sing it again. "Whenever she is healthy, I encourage her to go to school. As long as she is happy and healthy, I am happy," Ms. H. shared.
Sitting in the classroom, baby V.N. T. Q, 7 years old, is also fighting blood cancer every day. For more than 3 years, prolonged treatment courses have forced her to drop out of school. At times, the two mothers and daughters stayed at the hospital for about 2 months before returning home for a week and then continuing treatment.
For about 1-2 months now, when her health has stabilized, Q. started attending classes at the hospital and has learned basic reading and writing. For more than 3 years of taking care of her child, her mother has almost been unable to work.
My biggest wish is for my child to recover from illness and be healthy to continue treatment," Ms. Do Ngoc X. (31 years old), baby Q's mother, shared.
Keeping the dream of going to school for pediatric patients
The "Hoa Huong Duong" class was established on September 4, 2009, and has been operating for 17 years now. From the first seeds of the "Thuy's Dream" program, the class is maintained with the companionship of teachers, doctors, volunteers and the community.
Over 17 years, the class not only helps pediatric patients continue to study but also provides a space for them to play, live, be encouraged and nurture their dreams during their treatment days.
Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged the efforts of hospitals, doctors, teachers and volunteers in caring for pediatric patients with dangerous diseases. According to him, treating children is not only physical healing but also spiritual care, nutrition, learning and integration ability.
Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, said that despite facing pain and a difficult treatment process, the children still maintain their innocence, desire to learn and belief in the future. This is also a motivation for teachers and doctors to continue to accompany them.
On the same day, Children's Hospital 1 HCMC organized the opening ceremony of the "Happy Class" for pediatric patients. The class has been implemented since 2023, maintained every day at two learning points, with subjects such as Vietnamese, math, English and life skills.
