Aspiration to hold on to life for son and granddaughters

In life, the greatest happiness for any family is a peaceful home, with healthy children and grandchildren gathered together. But for the family of Nguyen Thi Dung (55 years old, Group 7, Soc Trao A Hamlet, Tan Quan Commune, Dong Nai Province), that simple dream feels painfully out of reach.

For more than 30 years, her life has been defined by hardship as her husband passed away early, and now both her son and granddaughter are suffering from serious illnesses.

A life full of hardship

Dung was born in the former Ha Tay Province. At the age of 14, she followed her parents to the new economic zone in Hon Quan to work and make a living. By 19, she was married and later gave birth to three sons. Her life revolved around the fields and hired labor, scraping together every penny to raise her children.

Poverty had not yet passed when disaster struck. In 2009, Dung’s husband died just a few months after being diagnosed with late-stage diabetes.

“At only 39, I was forced to take on both the role of father and mother, all while shouldering the debt from my husband’s medical treatment. There were moments when I felt I couldn’t go on, but then I would look at my three young children and swallow my tears, telling myself I could not afford to collapse,” Dung recalled.

Quynh Nhu takes care of her father. Photo: Thu Hien

In 2011, her eldest son Nguyen Tat Hung got married. A year later, his twin daughters Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhu and Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh were born. The joy was not yet complete when the family fell into misfortune: Quynh Nhu had congenital heart disease and had to undergo surgery at only 14 months old.

The strain of illness and financial hardship led to the breakdown of Hung’s marriage. Fearing his children would suffer if their mother remarried, Hung asked to raise both daughters himself. Moved by her son’s loneliness and the vulnerability of her grandchildren, Dung didn’t hesitate to welcome them all into her home. Through tireless saving and by borrowing an additional 40 million VND from the bank, Dung was finally able to build a small house in 2013, a place where mother, son, and grandchildren could find a stable refuge.

When love is not enough to shield against illness

Tragedy struck the struggling family once more. In 2020, Hung developed diabetes. Because he had no money for regular checkups or medicine, his condition worsened, his body ached all over, and now he has completely lost his ability to work.

“After countless nights of battling illness, I’ve reached my limit. What weighs on me most is the burden my aging mother carries and the uncertain future of my two children,” Hung shared, his voice filled with emotion.

The misfortunes did not stop there. In February 2025, Quynh Nhu fractured her leg in a fall, and during the medical examination, doctors discovered a bone tumor in her thigh. The condition requires early treatment; without it, her life and educational future are at serious risk.

“What I fear most is the pain of white-haired parents having to bury their black-haired children. I only wish for a miracle, so that my son and granddaughter can receive treatment, and still have a chance to live and go to school like other children their age,” Dung said, her voice breaking through tears.

Dung continues to toil every day, carrying the weight of the entire family. Photo: Thu Hien

Nhu Quynh takes care of housework to support her family. Photo: Thu Hien

In the simple house, the image of three generations struggling against poverty and illness makes anyone who witnesses it unable to hold back tears.

“The family of Nguyen Thi Dung is in extremely difficult circumstances. She is a dedicated mother and grandmother who has toiled all her life, but now is exhausted. The local authorities have also mobilized initial support, but to treat Hung and Quynh Nhu requires greater help from the community,” Nguyen Thi Minh, Head of the Red Cross Sub-chapter of Soc Trao A hamlet, expressed.

All contributions may be sent to the “Aspiration for Life” program, Public Relations and Archives Department, Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio and Television. For further information, please get in touch with editor Thu Hien via phone/Zalo at 0911.21.21.26.

+ Donation account: 197073599999 - Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Vietinbank. Please clearly state in the transfer content: Support for the family of Nguyen Thi Dung.

The “Aspiration for Life” program is scheduled to hold a support and outreach event at 9:30 a.m. on September 24, 2025, at the home of Nguyen Thi Dung’s family (Soc Trao A hamlet, Tan Quan commune, Dong Nai province).

A gesture of kindness at this time could become a source of emotional strength, a lifeline for Hung and Quynh Nhu, and a vital support for Dung to keep carrying the weight of her family and battling illness.

By Thu Hien – Translated by Minh Hanh, Minho