172 mln VND eases pain for disabled mother and son in Dong Xoai

On February 28, the “Sharing the pain” program brought what many described as a miracle to the family of Le Thanh Chung, a 19-year-old with severe scoliosis, and his visually impaired mother in Tien Thanh 5 Quarter, Dong Xoai ward, Dong Nai province.

The program was jointly organized by Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television in coordination with the Provincial Association for Supporting the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients. The main sponsor was Kim Huong Jewelry Company, accompanied by co-sponsors including Thanh Cong Transport Co., Ltd., Dong Nai Provincial Development Investment Fund, Bao Viet Life Insurance Binh Phuoc, representatives of Dong Xoai ward authorities, and various charitable clubs and volunteer groups across the province.

Kim Huong Jewelry Company in Binh Phuoc ward presents the main sponsorship board. Photo: Thu Hien

For 19 years, relentless hardships have weighed heavily on the young man’s shoulders. His mother, Tran Thi Tuyet Nhung, 46, was born with hearing impairment and a speech disorder. His father left when Chung was just four years old. Since then, mother and son have relied on collecting scrap materials or taking on any temporary work available, earning an unstable income of less than VND3 million per month.

Co-sponsoring units present symbolic sponsorship boards to Le Thanh Chung. Photo: Thu Hien

Turning self-doubt into motivation, Chung once regarded education as his only “lifeline.” In 2025, he fulfilled his dream of gaining admission to university after earning a proud score of 26.5 points. However, poverty and illness cruelly hindered his path. His scoliosis, which began in his Grade 10, went untreated due to financial constraints and has since worsened, causing severe lumbar curvature and lung compression. Doctors have recommended urgent surgery, warning that without intervention he may permanently lose mobility and face life-threatening complications.

“Deeply moved by the plight of this 19-year-old, we have connected with benefactors in the hope of helping him regain a healthy body in time,” said Nguyen Thi Lien, Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Association for Supporting the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients, at the program.

Leaders of the Dong Nai Association for Supporting the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients present a  hospital fee support board to Le Thanh Chung. Photo: Thu Hien

Compassion soon turned into tangible support, as total donations reached 172 million VND. Of this amount, 12 million VND was allocated to cover immediate spinal examination and hospital fees, while 160 million VND was placed in a savings account to ensure long-term treatment.

Holding the substantial sum in his hands, Chung struggled to contain his emotions. “Today’s support is like a compassionate ‘backbone’ lifting up my life, the strongest foundation for my future. From being dependent on a hospital bed, I now have the chance to regain a healthy body, find stable work and take care of my mother. I am deeply grateful to the program and all the benefactors,” he said.

Sponsors, volunteer clubs and groups present financial support, reinforcing faith and hope for Le Thanh Chung’s family. Photo: Thu Hien

The first “Sharing the pain” journey of the Year of the Horse 2026 thus concluded with overwhelming emotions and results beyond expectations. The sparkling eyes and radiant smiles of both donors and recipients stood as the clearest testament to the strength of compassion in everyday life. In doing so, the program contributed to fostering a more united and humane community, where no one is left behind.

By Thu Hien – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha