In a small house located on Tran Quy Khoan street, Huong An ward, Hue city, Ms. Truong Thi Hiep (born in 1978) spends almost all her time taking care of her son Vo Van Quy (born in 2007).
Looking at her child who has turned 19 but still often has seizures, weak health and has to be attached to medicine all year round, that mother could not hide her sadness.
Ms. Hiep's family has two children. The eldest son is Vo Van Binh (born in 2006). Due to difficult circumstances, Binh had to drop out of school from 9th grade. Although his parents repeatedly encouraged him to continue going to school, he still chose to put aside his studies to help his family. After completing his military service, Binh is looking for a job to help his parents.
The biggest family upheaval began when Vo Van Quy was born. According to Ms. Hiep, after giving birth, Quy had to lie in an incubator for many days. When he was 20 days old, he suddenly had a high fever and was diagnosed by doctors with Japanese encephalitis.
The following days were a long period of time for the family to continuously take their child to the emergency room. After being hospitalized and returning home for a few days, the child was in pain again, crying day and night...
Worried about her son, Mrs. Hiep continued to take her grandchild to Hue Central Hospital for treatment. Throughout the early years of her son's life, the hospital became almost a familiar residence for the two mothers and children.
When I see my child crying day and night and don't know where he hurts, I just know to hug him and cry along. There are times when I feel like I can't stand it anymore," Ms. Hiep choked up.
When Quy grew older, the family took him to rehabilitation with the hope that he could develop better. But after only a short time, he continuously had a high fever and epilepsy attacks appeared. Since then, epilepsy has haunted him for many years. Not only that, weak resistance makes Quy often suffer from respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia.
To control the disease, Quy has to use medicine every day. Some types of medicine are supported by insurance, but many other special treatments the family has to pay for outside. Medication costs that last year after year become a heavy burden for the family.
Because her son is sick, Ms. Hiep cannot go to work stably. All of Quy's activities need regular care, so she has to stay at home to be by his side.
The family's main source of income depends on Mr. Vo Van Ngung (born in 1978) - Ms. Hiep's husband, who works as a construction worker with unstable income.
Unstable income while prolonged treatment costs caused the family to borrow from relatives, neighbors and banks many times to cover living expenses.
Despite the accumulated difficulties, Mrs. Hiep and her husband never thought about giving up.
I just hope my child is less sick and in better health. As parents, seeing my child in pain every day but not being able to bear the illness for him, it's very heartbreaking. As long as my child tries, we will try our best...", Ms. Hiep shared.
Talking to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Le Mau, head of Khu Vay 2 village, Huong An ward, Hue city, said that Ms. Hiep's family's circumstances are difficult in the locality. For many years, the couple has both worked to earn a living and cared for their child with a serious illness.
The family has worked very hard and tried their best for many years. We hope philanthropists will care and share so that the family has more conditions to take care of Quy's health," Mr. Le Mau said.
All help for life situation LD26150, please send to Tam Long Vang Charity Social Fund - 51 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Account number (STK) 113000000758 at Vietinbank Hoan Kiem Branch, Hanoi; Account number: 0021000303088 - at Vietcombank Hanoi Branch; Account number: 12410001122556 - at BIDV Hoan Kiem Branch.
