The charity house of Thuong and her son (Photo: Thuy Huong).
Lo Duc Khai, from Muong Lan Commune, Dien Bien Province, has a severe form of the disease. Weighing just 17kg and standing 1.2m tall, he has long struggled with fatigue and poor health.
For the past seven years, his mother, Lo Thi Thuong, has taken him on a journey of more than 400km each month from Dien Bien to Hanoi for treatment. The costs of medication, travel, and accommodation placed an overwhelming burden on the single mother, pushing the family into debt as Khai’s condition worsened.
The two once lived in a makeshift hut built from bamboo and old sacks, barely shielding them from the elements.
The family's makeshift shack in the past (Photo: Thuy Huong).
A turning point came in late August 2025, when their story was published by Dantri/Dtinews. Thousands of readers contributed more than VND 196 million (approximately USD 7,800) to support the family.
Around VND 140 million was used to build a solid house, while the rest helped cover medical treatment and essential needs such as clothing and school supplies.
With his health more stable, Khai has returned to school after time away for treatment (Photo: Thuy Huong).
“I never imagined we would one day live in a proper house like this. Thanks to Dantri readers and kind donors, my child can receive regular treatment, have new clothes, and go to school. I am deeply grateful,” Thuong said emotionally.
Dantri reporters, representatives of the Dien Bien Province Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and local authorities visit Khai's family's new home (Photo: Tung Duong).
Although Khai’s condition cannot be fully cured, regular treatment has helped stabilise his health. He is now able to attend school again and integrate with his peers, bringing renewed hope to both mother and son.
