One Roof, Two Battles: A couple's fight against cancer

In the Pho Lo neighborhood of An Loc ward, Dong Nai province, Phan Thi Thien (born 1985) has just returned home after spending three days in the emergency room for lower abdominal fluid drainage. Her husband, Nguyen Van Hoang (born 1980), sits in silence, staring at the hospital’s follow-up slip, unsure where he can turn to borrow money for her next check-up. In a cruel twist of fate, the couple is simultaneously battling two aggressive forms of cancer.

Their makeshift home, a rusted corrugated iron shelter with leaning walls, covers just over 30 square meters on land borrowed from Hoang's brother. They own nothing of value worth more than one million VND. The cramped space feels even smaller, filled with the faint groans of two ailing bodies, intertwined with the sobs of a child pleading, "Mom, Dad, please don't be in pain anymore, please don't leave me…", a heart-wrenching cry that pierces anyone who hears it.

A life of hardship and a series of illnesses

Both Hoang and Thien were born into poverty, earning a meagre living for years as hired rubber tappers. Despite the grueling work, the couple were diligent and frugal, saving every dong for their children's education and the care of their elderly parents.

Hoang and Thien sit quietly with the follow-up appointment slip, unsure where to find the money for hospital fees. Photo: Thu Hien

Just when it seemed their perseverance might lead to more stable days, illness struck and took everything. In 2022, Thien was diagnosed with rectal cancer, enduring four surgeries, multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Though her health is broken, she still struggles to raise ducks for a cousin, trying to earn a little extra income. "I just want to live, to see my children grow up. I don't want to leave them so soon," Thien shared in tears.

While Thien was still grappling with her treatments, another disaster hit the family in early 2025. Hoang, the family's sole breadwinner, was diagnosed with advanced-stage penile cancer.

"After the first surgery, I went for a check-up recently. The doctor asked for 3 million VND for specialised tests, but I had only 200,000 VND left in my pocket. I had to walk away quietly and endure the persistent pain. I don't dare complain, I fear that I may worry my wife and children more," Hoang confided.

Wishing for a miracle

Watching their parents waste away from illness is a source of deep anguish for the children. The eldest daughter, Nguyen Thi Thu Thao (born 2003), can do little to help. "We just got married and both work in factories, our wages barely cover rent and diapers for the baby," Thao said, lowering her gaze, her voice breaking.

The second child, 19-year-old Nguyen Thi Thom, had to leave school and has enrolled in a free vocational training program, hoping one day to support her parents.

The youngest, 7-year-old Nguyen Tien Huy, a second grader, remains innocent and full of dreams. He tells anyone who will listen: "When I grow up, I'm going to study hard and become a doctor so I can cure my parents."

Their youngest son, Nguyen Tien Huy, tenderly massages his mother's hand to ease her pain. Photo: Thu Hien

These simple dreams make their parents' hearts ache. Despite her pain, Thien tries to utilise the small garden behind the house. Hoang, no longer able to do heavy work, is pitied by a farm owner who lets him collect scraps of low-grade latex.Their combined monthly income is a meagre 3-5 million VND. Meanwhile, the relentless costs of long-term cancer treatment, continuous prescriptions, and recurring pain from unhealed wounds have plunged the small family into a cycle of destitution.During many sleepless nights, they have whispered to each other: "If one of us goes first, the one who stays must try their best to care for the children. Don't let them be left adrift…" After speaking, they can only hold each other's hands tightly, in tears, as if afraid it could all vanish in a blink.

Witnessing the family's devastating hardship, the team behind the "Sharing the Pain" column of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television (DNNRTV) could not hold back their emotion. We told them: Do not despair! Out there, many compassionate hearts are ready to reach out, offering you a chance at treatment, at extending your lives, so your young children may be spared the pain of losing both parents too soon.

Contributions shall be sent to the "Sharing the Pain" program, Public and Data Room, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television (DNNRTV), or to editor Thu Hien (Phone/Zalo: 0911.21.21.26).

• Bank Account: 197073599999 - Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Vietinbank.

• Transfer Note: Please state "Ho tro gia dinh chi Phan Thi Thien" (Support for Mrs. Phan Thi Thien's family).

A connection and support handover ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 AM, October 9, 2025, at the family's home (Pho Lo neighbourhood, An Loc ward, Dong Nai province).

By Thu Hien - Translated by Thien Kim, Minho