For years, H’Da Mi Bkrong, 15, lived with a spreading black birthmark and a large tumour that deformed her face, making eating and daily activities difficult. The girl who comes from the Ede ethnic group often wore a mask to shield herself from curious stares.
Her mother died seven years ago and her father later remarried. H’Da Mi Bkrong and her younger sister were raised by their maternal grandparents. After they passed away, she was taken in by her aunt, H’Diet Bkrong, 35, in Suk Village, while her sister went to live with another relative.
As the birthmark widened and the tumour became increasingly swollen, the family’s financial hardship meant surgery remained out of reach.
After Dantri published an article about her circumstances, readers donated nearly VND 230 million (USD 9,020) to support her treatment.
Upon learning of her case through Dantri, Le Minh Hien, a doctor at HCM City's Cho Ray Hospital, contacted the family and helped mobilise resources for her treatment.
With the backing of benefactors working alongside Cho Ray Hospital, the full cost of surgery and skin graft procedures was covered. “Although the road to recovery remains long, we will continue to do everything we can and hope she can soon regain her confidence,” Hien said.
“I hope the treatment goes smoothly so I can return to school with confidence and no longer have to hide behind a mask,” H’Da Mi Bkrong said.
H’Diet Bkrong said she had never seen her niece so happy. The teenager now smiles more, talks more and wakes each morning eager to see the changes in her reflection.
“The journey ahead is still long, but we are fortunate to have received so much help. As the surgery was fully funded, we have placed the money donated by Dantri readers into a savings account to support her future,” she said.
