Tran Thi Mai and her husband at the ground-breaking ceremony for their new house on May 13.
Tran Thi Mai, 63, was featured in a recent Dantri article for having to sell her herd of cows to cover medical expenses for her injured son.
Her son, Phan Van Trieu, 36, works as a freelance logger. In early 2024, he was crushed by a falling tree during work. The accident severely damaged his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed in both legs. To cover medical treatment, Mai sold her five cows, her family’s most valuable asset, and borrowed heavily from various sources.
Mai and her son Phan Van Trieu
Her husband, 71, also suffers from complications caused by a stroke and requires ongoing care.
Since the accident, the family has fallen into deep hardship. Six people, including Mai and her husband, their son and daughter, and two grandchildren, have been living in a dilapidated house with a leaking roof, without the means to repair or rebuild it.
Six people in Mai's family have been living in a dilapidated house with a leaking roof.
Following the Dantri article, readers donated over VND 102 million (already transferred directly to Mai’s bank account) to help her build a new, secure home.
The new house will be built at a total cost of VND 162 million, with VND 102 million donated by Dantri readers and the remaining VND 60 million provided by local authorities.
"I have never held such a large amount of money in my life. I’m overjoyed, it feels like a dream. In just a short while, my family and I will be living in a clean, sturdy new house," Mai shared emotionally.
Mai's old house.
With the VND 162 million, Mai plans to renovate the old structure and construct a new 40-square-meter house with two bedrooms and a living room.
On behalf of her family, Mai expressed heartfelt thanks to Dantri readers and local authorities for their support. "We will never forget the kindness you’ve shown us," she said.
Ho Van Ta, Vice Chairman of Xuan Son Nam commune, confirmed that Mai's family was among the most disadvantaged in the area. "We are very glad Dantri readers stepped in to help. With over VND 162 million, I believe she will build a spacious, clean, and permanent home where six family members can live safely and securely," he stated.
