‘Sharing the pain’ lights a flame of hope for a struggling family

On March 18, the outreach program “Sharing the pain” reached the family of Thi Tu in Dong Ho Hamlet, Tan Hung commune, Dong Nai province, a S’tieng woman quietly bearing an extraordinary burden of hardship.

Tu has no children of her own, yet fate has made her the sole caregiver of three orphaned nieces and nephews. Tragedy after tragedy struck her. Three years ago, her younger sister passed away from a heart attack, while her brother-in-law disappeared without a trace. More recently, in early March 2026, her husband, the family’s main breadwinner, succumbed to liver cancer. Now, on her frail shoulders rests not only Tu’s care for the three children of her late younger sister, but also her 75-year-old ailing mother and a younger brother suffering from epilepsy, whose seizures have become more frequent due to a lack of medication.

With a modest job at a local wood workshop, earning around VND4 million per month, Tu struggles to provide daily meals for a household of six, where hunger and hardship remain constant companions.

Le Hoang Vinh, representing main sponsor Kim Huong Jewelry Company in Binh Phuoc ward, presents VND10 million in support. Photo: Thu Hien

In response, the “Sharing the pain” program - jointly organized by Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television (DNNRTV) in coordination with the Provincial Association for Supporting the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients - mobilized community support.

The event was further warmed by the presence of key sponsor Kim Huong Jewelry Company, along with co-sponsors including Thanh Cong Transport Company, Dong Nai Development Investment Fund, Bao Viet Life Insurance Binh Phuoc, representatives of Tan Hung commune authorities, and various charity clubs and volunteer groups across the province.

“With the spirit that collective effort creates meaningful change, each gift is not only material support but also a message of trust and encouragement for those in need,” said Duong Thi Tuyet, honorary Chairwoman of the Provincial Association for Supporting the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients.

Meaningful gifts from co-sponsoring organizations. Photo: Thu Hien

Thanks to the generosity of donors, total financial support for Tu’s family reached VND127 million. To ensure effective and sustainable use of the funds, the organizing committee outlined a detailed allocation plan.

Specifically, VND5 million will be used to cover immediate living expenses, VND4 million is reserved for medical treatment and medication for her younger brother, VND13 million for purchasing electric bicycles for the children to continue schooling, VND55 million for building an additional bedroom and renovating the deteriorating kitchen, and VND50 million will be deposited in a savings account under Tu’s name, co-managed by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Tan Hung commune.

Sponsors, charity clubs and volunteer groups hand over financial support directly to Thi Tu’s family, giving them renewed faith and hope to overcome their hardships. Photo: Thu Hien

Holding the financial support and essential goods she had just received, Tu broke down in tears: “I never imagined receiving such a large amount of support. From now on, my family will have a proper home, no longer fearing the sun and rain; my brother will have medicine, and the children can pursue their schooling. I am deeply grateful to the program and all the donors.”

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